#as i said earlier i could totally see them agreeing to do something like only friends

[airenyah]

do you think that joong and dunk will get another show in 2024?

i have absolutely no idea, tbh. do i want one? yes. do i think we'll get one? i'm not even gonna try speculating because at the end of the day that decision lies with people on a completely different continent than me, with people that i have no influence on

[azrielslittleslut]

His Darkness

Azriel x Fem!Reader

Summary: Azriel's mate wants to... play in his dungeon.

Warnings: pure smut, 18+, knife play, shadow play, choking, dark!Az, p in v, language, pet names, praise/degradation, i probably forgot something but seriously this is dark

Word Count: 1.7k

a/n: this is a *mostly* REPOST from my old tumblr @azshighlady. (I had to do some editing because I lost part of it, so some of it is new for those of you who read it before!) Unfortunately, this is the only fanfic from that tumblr that was saved.. but this was the first Az smut I ever wrote, so I wanted to share it on here!

Enjoy!

The dungeons of the Hewn City were unusually cold, and the growls of the beasts that dwelled below could be heard echoing along the walls. From above, you could hear the denizens of the Court of Nightmares drinking and laughing, totally oblivious to what was about to happen below them.

You shifted in the chair, trying to ignore the goosebumps that had appeared on your skin because of the chill in the air. You were only wearing a thin piece of lingerie, something that your mate had laid out for you. It was a black teddy, with thin straps connected across your shoulders, leading down to the completely see-through lace that barely covered your breasts and stomach. Your favorite part of it was the fact that it was crotchless.

Easy access, you thought to yourself.

You leaned back, wondering how much longer before Azriel would appear. He loved this game. He loved making you wait for him, keeping you on edge. His patience was infinite, and he was a master at torturing you with pleasure. Despite your whining and complaining, the wait was always worth it.

While you waited, you thought back to the conversation that led you here in the first place. It happened a few weeks ago while the two of you were eating dinner at home.

“I want to try something,” you said, looking at Azriel with scheming eyes. You were nervous to bring up this fantasy, scared that he would object. But your mate always did what he could to make you happy, sometimes even at the expense of himself.

Azriel smiled, noting the look in your eyes. “Oh, do tell, my love,” he said. “This sounds like it will be interesting.”

You stood and walked over to him, plopping yourself down in his lap. His scarred hands gripped your waist, pulling you closer. “I want you to take me into your dungeon and play with me,” you whispered, trying to fight the blush that crept onto your cheeks. You looked up at him through your lashes, reading his expression.

He was silent, his mouth slightly open and his eyes wide. You immediately regretted bringing it up. Torturing and working in the dungeons was his job, what he did to protect his court. It would make sense if he did not want to bring that into his personal life, especially his life with you.

You pulled away, meaning to stand. “I’m sorry,” you muttered. “Forget I said anything.”

His grip on you tightened, holding you in place. “No, don’t apologize. I’m just surprised,” he admitted. He gripped your chin with his fingers, forcing you to look into his eyes. “Are you sure about this? I don’t want to scare you, love.”

You smiled at him, leaning your forehead against his. “You never scare me, Az. I love you, and I trust you. I want this. I want you, all of you. Darkness and all.”

Azriel had agreed after that, promising that he would do this for you. The conversation had been mostly forgotten, or so you thought. You had been surprised earlier when you had walked into the bedroom and noticed the lingerie on the bed with a note that said, The Spymaster requests your presence in his dungeon. Do not be late.

That had been hours ago. Hours of you sitting here, waiting, ignoring the growing wetness between your legs from the anticipation of what was to come. You started to wonder if he had forgotten or changed his mind.

You were about to stand to leave, thinking it was best to forget about this stupid fantasy when the shadows in the room started to move, growing thicker and darker. You sat back down, knowing your mate was here.

He appeared from the shadows, his hazel eyes glowing in the darkness. He was dressed in his leathers, and you noted how perfectly they molded to his muscled body. He flared his wings proudly before tucking them in and walking over to you. As he moved, you noticed Truth-Teller strapped to his thigh, the obsidian hilt gobbling up the shadows and darkness around.

“Did you get impatient, pet?” he asked in the voice that had no doubt broken countless enemies. There was no kindness or love in his tone or on his face. This was the shadowsinger, the feared Spymaster of the Night Court. The male who had fought in countless battles and won them all. The male who brought enemies to their knees and who had charmed allies. The male who was your mate.

How did you get so fucking lucky?

You bowed your head, lacing your hands in your lap. “No, sir,” you whispered. “I just needed to stretch my legs.”

Azriel hummed to himself, and you could feel his eyes raking every inch of your body. “My shadows tell me otherwise. They’ve been watching you, and it seems you thought you were going to get up and leave.” He clicked his tongue. “Bad prisoners get punished for disobeying my orders.”

Your heart stuttered in your chest, but you couldn’t deny the thrill and excitement of this, of him. “My apologies, sir. It won’t happen again.”

He leaned forward, and you could feel his breath in your ear. “Do you remember your safe words?” he whispered, his voice like shadows given sound.

You nodded. “Yes, sir.”

He chucked darkly. “Let’s play then, pet.”

He gripped your thighs in his hands, spreading them open. “You’re already so wet for me, and I haven’t even touched you. So needy for me.”

His shadows crept up your legs, moving across your pussy. You throw your head back, letting out a moan that echoed along the stone walls. They danced along your clit, and you could feel your wetness dripping onto the chair and down your inner thighs. “Please, sir. Please touch me.” He had kept you waiting for so long, and your need for him was driving you crazy.

“You’re in my dungeon. You’re my prisoner. I will decide when I want to touch you. Understood?” he said, digging his finger into your skin for emphasis. He was gripping you so tight you knew there would be marks on your skin the next day.

Good. You love it when he marks you. Claims you.

You felt his shadows move, wrapping around your thighs. They tightened around them, and you realized they were holding your legs open. You tried to move them, but they had a firm grip. You were open and bare for your mate, and Azriel took in your body with a predatory hunger in his eyes.

"So pretty, wrapped up in my shadows," he murmured to himself as he reached down to pull Truth-Teller from where it was sheathed at his thigh. "I bet you will look even prettier when I fuck you with this."

Slowly, he ran the hilt of the blade through your cunt, covering it with your wetness. You cried out as he pushed it in, loving the feeling of the ridges along your walls. "Y-yes," you gasped.

Azriel began to thrust the blade in harshly. "Do you know how many people cower in fear when they see this blade?" he asked, his voice low. "How many people have lost their lives to it? But here you are.. being fucked by it. Such a dirty girl."

You were beyond words, totally focused on the feeling of the cold metal moving inside of you. You began to feel the early waves of your climax begin to build, and your legs started shaking.

"I want you to cum on my knife," he whispers, leaning down to bite your earlobe. "I want this to be covered in your scent so everyone knows who I belong to." He pushed it in as deep as it could go, and you moaned as waves of pleasure washed over you. "That's it, pet. Make a mess on my knife."

He pulled the blade out and pressed the tip against your lips. "Open," he commanded. "Clean it up."

You licked the metal, groaning at the taste of yourself. When he was satisfied with your work, he sheathed Truth-Teller once again at his thigh. His eyes darkened, and you gasped as you felt his shadows move up, wrapping themselves around your wrists. They lifted you out of the chair, securing themselves on a beam somewhere far above your head. The shadows around your thighs tightened as they spread your legs open more.

You were hanging in his dungeon, bound by his shadows, completely at his mercy.

Azriel settled himself between your thighs as he quickly opened his trousers. He grabbed you by the throat, squeezing softly. "I won't be gentle."

You nodded. "I don't want gentle."

He smirked, pushing his cock inside of you in one powerful thrust. You threw your head back, your arms straining against the shadows. He set a brutal pace, and you cry out at the feeling of his balls slapping against you.

"Fuck, yes!" you moan. "Just like that." His cock hit the deepest parts of you, causing your eyes to roll back. More of his shadows began to touch you, teasing your clit. You let out a moan that sounded inhuman as you came again, spilling your essence all over yourself and Azriel.

His thrusts became erratic, totally wild, and unchecked. He groaned as he came, spilling himself into your womb. He kept thrusting, making sure nothing leaked out. "Gotta fill you up," he murmured.

He hated when he cum leaked out of you.

For a few moments after, the only sound that could be heard in the quiet dungeon was your ragged breaths. His shadows released you, and you immediately wrap your arms around his neck. He held you against him, keeping your legs wrapped tightly around his waist.

His eyes were no longer full of lust. Now, they had lightened to their normal hazel, and they were full of love. "Are you alright? Was that alright?" he asked, concern lacing his voice.

You giggled, leaning forward to kiss him. "That was amazing, my love. You are amazing."

Azriel was your mate, your love, your friend. It had always been the two of you against the world, and that's how it always would be. He was yours and you were his, and you accepted every part of him.

His darkness could never scare you.

[hotluncheddie]

Day 1: Accidental subspace

"Open Wide"

Ao3

wc: 1.5k | rated: M | tags: Sub Eddie Munson, pre relationship, oblivious Eddie Munson, Steve Harrington has a crush on Eddie Munson, non-sexual subspace, aftercare

written for @subeddieweek <3

🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷

‘So I guess I’ll say something like.. Hi! I’m Steve, I’m just assisting the dentist to check that you’re flossing correctly, nothing to worry about.’ Steve says from above Eddie, putting on a customer service smile. 

Steve’s facing down at him, floss in hand. ‘Totally routine procedure?’ He asks, pursing his lips. Then he looks directly at Eddie, face smoothing out into something fond. ‘But just relax for me okay?’ He says softly, moving some hair from Eddie’s cheek. 

‘Okay.’ Eddie rasps, clearing his throat. He's still not used to being this close to Steve, even after being roommates for months. Still not used to having Steve’s full attention on him, even after being proper friends for a whole year. 

And now Eddie’s here, and Steve has his gloved fingers in Eddie’s mouth. Eddie never realised how intimate the dentist could be. Not until he’s laying here on Steve’s bed, head on one of Steve’s pillows, bracketed by Steve’s thighs so he can lean over Eddie. Lean over and put his gloved fingers in Eddie’s mouth. 

(28 hours earlier.) 

‘Eddie please.’ Steve whines, sliding his torso across the table between them. Brandishing his clasped hands and burying his head in his elbows. 

It’s too early for this. Eddie hasn’t even gotten half way through his coffee and Steve is sitting here asking him things. 

Asking him things when it’s so early Steve hasn’t even changed out of his glasses yet. 

How is Eddie supposed to think in these conditions? 

‘Huh?’ Eddie asks, because, what? 

‘I have to practice and the only reason they agreed to interview me for this is job is because I have experience with kids. I’lI need to show them my bedside manner is good dude.’ Steve explains, rapid, like he’s said it before. 

Eddie’s eyes narrow, eyebrows furrowing, he.. huh? ‘What’s that got to do with me Stevie?’ He asks, still totally lost and he can see down the front of Steve’s old sleep shirt.The chest hair is not helping him process. 

Steve huffs, strands of hair on his forehead jumping. ‘I need to pretend you're a patent, floss your teeth and stuff. Just to get a feel for what they might get me to do when I go in.’ 

‘… Okay.’ Eddie says, still not fully sure what’s going on but, if it’ll help Steve, well, he honestly thinks he’d do pretty much anything. 

‘Thank you thank you thank you thank you!’ Steve cheers, clapping Eddie on both shoulders and squeezing. Still leaning across the table. Eddie can see the freckles on Steve’s nose. ‘I’m buying you dinner! First dental assistant check I get, I’m taking. You. Out. Munson!’ Steve says, smile sunny and blinding and Eddie has no idea what his face is doing right now. But, if Steve keeps looking at him like that Eddie thinks he could cry. It’s early, and Steve is too pretty for his fragile constitution. 

‘Good, that’s good. Now I’m going to get the teeth at the back okay?’ Steve asks, waiting for Eddie’s small nod. ‘Feel how I’m flossing both sides of the gum too? That’s how you need to do it at home, get rid of all the germs.’ And Eddie does, sort of, he feels something happening in the back of his mouth. Steve’s knuckle against his teeth, forcing them that little bit wider. Eddie’s not sure at what point his eyes slip closed but it’s not until Steve’s retracted his hand and is lightly dabbing Eddie’s chin with a tissue, that he opens them again.They feel so much heavier than before. 

‘Sleepy?’ Steve murmurs, smiling down at him. 

Eddie swallows and blinks slowly, brain not really processing what Steve just asked. He clears his throat. Is he tired? He slept pretty well last night so, not really. He does feel relaxed though. 

Eddie blinks again, looking up at Steve. His bed backs onto the rooms little window and Steve refuses to get proper curtains for them. Instead keeping the light white lacy ones that were left from the elderly couple who lived here before. They let so much light through it would send Eddie insane, but the soft sort of shimmer that glows across Steve’s cheek and shoulders now, it’s pretty. 

Steve really is so pretty. Eddie sighs, shifts deeper into the beds soft sheets. A really pretty guy, person. 

Eddie knows this already, obviously. But, it feels different. Eddie thinks he’d crawl on all fours for Steve right now without even batting an eye. 

Its kind of always been like that for him and pretty people though, ever willing to do anything for a bit of attention. But it’s never felt like this, never felt quite this intense. 

Steve ask Eddie to open wide again, getting the other side of his teeth with the floss. Then he gently probes at each tooth’s gum with his finger. Eddie watches the curve of Steve’s eyebrow as he focuses. Eyelids so slow to blink and brain a soupy sort of fog, no thoughts up there. Just the nice feeling of his mouth being played with, Steve doing as he pleases. 

The soupy floaty feeling travels down to his fingers a toes, stirs in his gut. Eddie feels like he’s getting his whole body massaged just through his teeth. Almost like he’s in a bath, or like there’s a mouth on his cock. 

He makes a noise in his throat, it could honestly be a moan, but Steve’s fingers are in the way. That makes Eddie squirm. Steve’s fingers are in his mouth. 

‘Almost done, you’re doing so well.’ Steve says gently. 

Eddie really likes being here with Steve, letting him touch. 

‘Close.’ Steve instructs finally, fingers pressed lightly into the hinge of Eddie’s jaw. ‘Good. You have nice teeth Ed.’ He murmurs. 

Eddie hums happily, a little giggle bubbling out of him. He grins, showing Steve his teeth again, watching his eyebrows lift slightly. But his fingertips keep tracing Eddies jaw, following the curve of it, making goosebumps appear on Eddie’s arms. 

‘M’gonna go get you some water okay? And a snack. You okay waiting here for me, for just a sec?’ Steve asks softly, now tracing the shape of Eddie’s lips. 

Eddie thinks it’s okay, Steve’s bed has always been the most comfortable. He has the nicest sheets. Eddie nods. 

Steve slides his legs out from under the pillow, padding out of the room, taking off his gloves and Eddie hears the fridge open. 

Its colder without Steve here. Weird. He misses Steve. Wants him to come back. Maybe Eddie does feel kinda of strange actually, he wants Steve back touching his jaw. He feels so cold, like his chest is caving in.

‘Steve?’ He calls trying to sit up but his body isn’t cooperating. His mind not able to think through the fuzz. His hands trembling a little. 

Steve comes back in, holding water and a granola bar. ‘Hey, hey Eddie I’m here. You’re okay.’ And sits down close, wrapping Eddie up in his arms. 

‘Feel weird.’ Eddie mumbles, gripped Steve’s shoulders tight and fisting his soft t-shirt. 

‘S’okay, let’s go sit on the couch yeah? Watch a movie.’ Steve says gently, rocking Eddie a little. He should maybe be embarrassed but it feels so much better to have Steve close that he doesn’t care. Doesn’t want Steve to go far again. 

Eddie nods and stands up, making sure to keep hold of Steve’s arm, hugging it close as he leads them into the living room and onto their worn sofa. 

Steve lays down first and pulls Eddie by their still linked fingers to settle between his thighs, Eddie’s face in Steve’s neck until he’s ready to come out. Making him take sips of water every few minutes, sharing bites of granola bar and stroking Eddie’s hair. 

Eddie drifts, almost to sleep, he’s so comfortable and calm, wrapped up in Steve. The sound of baseball coming softly from the tv. 

-

‘Hey! I’m home!’ Robin shouts from the front door, dropping her stuff and shuffling through. She stops dead once she sees them cuddles up on the couch. Eddie between Steve and the sofa, head now resting on his chest so he can see the tv too. Steve is channel hopping but stops to look at her. Eddie’s not really sure what to do, he definitely doesn’t want to move but, she’s looking at them really weird. 

But Robin is focused on Steve, eyebrows moving, not talking. Eddie edges around to see Steve doing the same thing. 

‘Happy for you.’ She finally huffs, stomping off to the kitchen. But Eddie hears her mumbling under her breath. 

‘Only Steve fucking Harrington could get a guy with a dentist shtick, Jesus christ.’ 

‘Huh?’ Eddie asks Steve, really not sure what’s going on. 

‘Nothin’ we’ll talk about it tomorrow, when you’re less foggy.’ Steve says softly, kissing Eddie on the forehead and pulling him back into his chest. 

Tomorrow. Yeah, that sounds good, Eddie really doesn’t want to move. 

🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷

Tag List: @pearynice @xxfiction-is-my-realityxx @scoops-aboy86 @chickensinrainboots @cheesedoctor @marvel-ous-m

[tkwrites]

First Fight - Quinn Hughes x ofc

Title: First Fight

Author: Tory / @tkwrites 

Relationship: Pre-established: Quinn Hughes x Original female character 

Warnings: Angst, history of a bad relationship 

Summary: Quinn and Sarah have their first fight - we learn more about Quinn’s previous relationship

Word count: 3000

Comments: Angst isn’t something I feel I write very well, so if you have any ideas of how to make this better, I would welcome any and all constructive feedback. 

First Fight

A Quinn & Sarah Snapshot

Hey, I met someone. I want you to meet her when you’re in town. 

Sending this text was like setting off a bomb in his life. Not because Quinn thought it would destroy things, but it would open up this fated little world to outside forces, something he’d protected against so far.  

He wanted Brady and Emma’s opinion first before he started introducing the idea of Sarah into the rest of his relationships. They had been the only ones brave enough to tell him they didn’t like June. Everyone else in his life told him they felt the same only after he’d called it off completely. His own family hadn’t even told him. 

Everything with Sarah felt different than it had with June. He didn’t expect the same outcome, but he wanted to be sure. June taught him he couldn’t always trust his own judgment. 

Things with June were always complicated. In so many ways, their relationship had been easy. She entertained herself for the most part, looked good on his arm, and the sex wasn’t bad, but it never went beyond that. Quinn used to think their relationship could lead to marriage, but she never gave them that chance. 

Looking back, he wasn’t sure if she ever actually liked him. She liked the lifestyle he offered, and liked being seen with him at events and after games. She would often flirt with other people, even after they decided to be exclusive and was happy to tell him how there were taller, more handsome, better dressed men she could get with when they fought. A few days later, she would always come back apologizing, telling him she loved him and that she wanted to be with him. 

At one point, Brady had told him he didn’t want to hear about their relationship drama anymore. “You don’t even like her, Q,” he’d said, exasperated, “like, not just her body, but her.” 

Eventually, Quinn had been forced to admit he was right. 

They’d been on and off for more than a year, and it never went anywhere other than around in circles. They had the same fights about how long he was gone, how she wanted him to dress better, and that she was flirting with other guys all the time. It was exhausting, and not in a way that made it worthwhile.

You met someone? Brady responded. Who? When? 

Her name is Sarah. We met two months ago. We've been dating since then. 

It wasn't totally unlike Quinn to keep something so private, but the fact that it had been two months and he'd kept it all to himself made Brady wonder. 

Do you think Emma could come out? 

If he was asking for Emma's opinion, this was serious. Quinn trusted her judgment. 

I'll ask her. 

As soon as Emma’s flight was confirmed, Quinn brought it up while Sarah was at his house. 

When he'd asked her to come over earlier in the day, she had initially turned him down, explaining that she had a deadline to meet. 

“I just want to see you,” he said. “You could do your homework here.”

“I don't know if that would work…” 

She wanted to see him, too, especially knowing he was headed out of town again too soon for her liking, but finals and year end deadlines were coming up swiftly. She didn’t have the time, especially now that she was spending so much time with Quinn, to put things off. 

“Could we just give it a try? I'll leave you alone until you're finished, I swear. And then we can spend some time together.”

She'd agreed, and was pleasantly surprised to find that he kept every word of his promise. 

By the time her first draft of the research publication she was writing was done, Sarah had been at Quinn's table for more than two hours. True to his word, he left her alone other than to bring her a plate of cut vegetables and kiss her forehead around the one hour mark.  

Now, she wandered through the penthouse, looking for him. 

“Quinn?” she finally asked when she didn’t find him downstairs. 

“I'm up here.”

She climbed the stairs and found him in the gaming room. It was where he had all of his video game equipment set up, along with squishy arm chairs, couches and bean bags. He had enough controllers, he could probably host the entire team. 

Glancing away from the screen, he asked, “you're done already?”

She shrugged, “I write fast.”

She did. He was impressed. “I’m almost done with this level, and I'll be done.”

“No rush.” 

She wandered down the hall to one of the guest bathrooms. When she got back, he'd tossed his headset and controller away from him and was standing. 

The hug he wrapped her in was warm and comforting. She snuck her hands under his shirt just so she could feel his warm skin.

They kissed for a long time, standing in that gaming room. 

As they walked down the stairs hand in hand, he broached the subject, “my best friend, Brady is going to be in town on a road trip from Ottawa Thursday. I hoped we could all go to dinner together.”

“Oh.” 

“What?” 

“I have a cohort review on Thursday night.”

“So? Can't you just move it?”

“No, I can't. It took us a week just to find a time that worked for everyone, and I already told them I would be there.”

Quinn pulled his bottom lip into his mouth, thinking. “Just - he's only in town Thursday and Friday, and they leave Friday night. His wife Emma is coming in.” 

“I'm sorry, Quinn, I wish you had given me more advanced notice.” 

“Can’t you meet with your cohort after class or something?” he asked, “you all live here.” 

Sarah bristled, feeling more and more disrespected as this conversation went on. “Quinn,” her tone was a bit sharper than she intended and she tried to bite it back, “it’s not my fault you didn’t tell me about this until two days beforehand. I can’t just move my schedule around because you forgot.” 

“I didn’t forget,” he said indignantly. 

“Then why didn’t you tell me before?” 

“We just made the plan!”

“You can’t just make plans without consulting me! I have a life and responsibilities outside of you.” 

He blew a breath through his nose, “I know that.”

“Do you? Because it seems like you're expecting me to just drop everything for your schedule.” 

He groaned. “That’s not what I mean. Brady and Emma will only be in town for a day and a half. They live on the other side of the country, and I want them to meet you, and you to meet them, and you’re saying you can’t because of some school thing with people who live here and could reschedule.” 

Sarah pursed her lips. “So it’s up to me to reschedule.” 

“They’re going back home on Friday after the game!” 

“Could we not have lunch on Friday or get together before the game?” 

Quinn paused. It wasn’t ideal, but he supposed it could work. “I mean, I guess so.” 

She nodded. “So when I said I have plans, your first call is to ask me to cancel them, rather than seeing if there’s something that will work for everyone.”

“Jesus, Sarah. I just want you to meet my friends, and dinner would give us more time.” 

“I get that, I really do, but this review is really important, and I’d just…” traitorous tears rose to her eyes. They always did when she was frustrated. “I’d just like you to respect that I have important stuff going on that I can’t cancel.” 

Shit. Now she was crying. Over something he did. Fuck. 

They were real tears, too - frustrated ones she was trying to sniffle back - not like the over dramatic tears June would dredge up in a fight. 

“I know you’re used to being single, but you need to respect my time, too. You’re not the only one working around a demanding schedule.”

The truth of it socked him in the stomach. June worked as an influencer. Other than modeling gigs, which weren't that often, she could change her schedule at the drop of a hat, and often did. She liked the spontaneity of it. He had rarely planned ahead with her.

His shoulders sagged, “I’m sorry.” 

“Thank you. It’s just, I already move so much stuff around because of your hockey schedule.”

That made him stop short. “You do?” 

“Yes! I have to move my work and my research so we can spend time together while you’re in town. Last week, I canceled this same review group so I could come over here before you went off to the midwest, and I can’t cancel it again.” 

“I didn't know that. I can't know stuff you don't tell me, Sarah.”

“It’s not really even about the review, it’s about -” he scoffed and she stopped talking, pursing her lips together.

Quinn crossed his arms over his chest. How could he have known she changed this meeting before? How could she possibly be mad at him for something he didn’t know?

They stood that way, at the bottom of his fancy, metal and glass stairs, each staring at the other for a long while. The longer they were there, the longer Quinn stayed silent, the more frustrated Sarah became. Didn’t he understand she was upset about the lack of respect in this conversation?

“Maybe I should go,” she said. Not because she didn’t want to talk things over, or figure them out, but because she knew herself well enough to know that with his silence and her frustration dipping into anger, she would say something she didn’t really mean if she didn't step away. 

Great. This is just great, Quinn thought. If she wanted to leave, fine. He wouldn’t stop her. 

It was only after she’d left with a sad, emotionless smile, and he’d torn the cap off of a beer from the fridge that the reality of what happened came crashing in on him. 

He let her walk away. Over a dinner - over wanting to be right about a dinner. He was such a fucking idiot. 

In the midst of his realization, his mind grasped hold of something his Grandpa had told him when he had asked for relationship advice the summer before. “Quinn,” he’d said, “I like to ask myself, is this my pride fighting? And is it worth whatever the outcome will be?”

With June, that line was always a little blurred. Right now, though, he could see he’d clearly crossed it. And being right wasn’t worth the outcome this had caused. She’d been gone for 15 minutes, and was likely already on a train home. If he left now, he might make it there when she did.

He grabbed his keys and ran out of the house. 

Once he’d followed another resident into the building and ran up to her apartment, he knocked, frantically. 

Eunice opened the door. 

“Hey, Quinn…” she said, slowly. 

“Is Sarah not here yet?” he asked. 

“No. I thought she was going to be at your place tonight.” 

“She was. I mean, she was there, but -” he didn’t want to get into this with Eunice. 

“Did you fight?” she asked, cocking her head to one side, and looking at him like he’d just proved her wrong in all the ways she’d been hoping he wouldn’t. 

“We argued, and I came to apologize. Do you mind if I wait for her?” 

“I mean, sure,” she said, opening the door further, “but you could just call her, you know?” 

In his haste, he hadn’t even considered it. Would she even answer if he did? Reaching into his pocket he found he’d left his phone at home. 

Sarah walked from the train station, feeling lead-footed. This was a horrible day. Failed experiments all day at work, and the time actually spent with Quinn was spent arguing. Maybe she had been too harsh on him. She hadn’t told him about moving her plans last week, and that was on her. She’d jumped on the defensive too quickly.

She paused before going into the lobby of her building, digging her phone out of her bag. She didn't want to make this call with Eunice in the house. It rang seven times before the generic voicemail picked up. 

“Damnit,” she swore as she pulled her keys from her jacket pocket to buzz into the lobby. 

Eunice greeted her nearly as soon as she walked in. “Hey, Quinn is here,” she said, quietly, catching the door before it could shut. “He said you argued. He’s waiting in your room, but if you don’t want to see him, go in my room and I’ll get rid of him.” 

Tears pooled in her eyes as much for Eunice’s care and concern as for Quinn showing up. “He’s here?” 

She nodded.

Pushing past Eunice, Sarah ran down the hall to her bedroom. 

He jumped to his feet as soon as the door opened. 

“Quinn, I’m sorry,” she said at the same time he was saying, “I’m such an idiot.”

She let out a watery little laugh, and he went to her, wrapping her in his arms, backpack and all. 

“I’m sorry,” he said into her hair. “I never want you to feel like your time isn’t important.” 

She pulled out of his embrace to look into his eyes. He looked a little like a lost puppy. Her heart twisted. “I’m sorry I got so defensive.”

Quinn shook his head, “You had every right to be defensive. I shouldn't have expected you to just change your plans like that. That wasn’t fair.” 

She gave a hearty sniff and tucked her face into his shoulder. 

They stood there for a while, swaying gently. 

“Does this mean I'm forgiven?” Quinn asked after a few moments of silence.

As she pulled back to look into his face, she said, “yes.”

He pulled her against him. “I'm sorry,” he said again. “I’ll call Brady tomorrow and figure something out that works for all of us.”

Her grip tightened around his waist. “Thank you.” 

They stood in that little bubble for a long while. Soaking in each other and letting the bad day roll off. 

Feeling settled, he couldn't hold back his question any longer, “do you golf?”

She stepped out of his embrace and finally took off her backpack, “what?”

“You have clubs,” he gestured to her door, where a purple bag of golf clubs was tucked behind it. He hadn't noticed it until today, when he'd been alone in her room, distracting himself by looking around at everything Sarah held in high enough esteem to keep in her space. 

“Oh, yeah. My dad taught me. We used to golf every Sunday as a family. I was on my high-school golf team and walked on in undergrad. I got a scholarship my senior year.”

“Really?” he said, beaming like a little kid. 

“Yeah. I don't have much time to go these days, but I'm pretty decent.” 

Quinn knew enough about her to know that if she said she was decent, she was much better than she was letting on. She often downplayed her talents and accomplishments.

“Why?”

“I love golf,” he confessed. “Want to go together when I get back next week? I could get us an evening tee time.”

“I like the sound of that,” she said, smiling as she leaned up to kiss him. 

They broke apart at a wrenching sound from the hallway. 

“You guys are so disgustingly cute,” Eunice said. She was smiling as she said it, though, obviously happy things had worked out. “I'm making Mac and cheese if you want to stay,” she said with a nod at Quinn. 

He glanced at Sarah. 

“Stay,” she urged. “I make a mean turkey sandwich, and believe me, you don't want to miss out on Eunice’s mac and cheese.” 

Even though he had practice in the morning, and knew all the carbs and dairy would make him sluggish, he agreed. 

“Where did you even park?”

“On Nelson, across from the courts.”

“There’s no parking there, you’ll get towed.”

“I just found a free curb and ran up,” he confessed. 

Shoving his shoulder playfully, she said, “let’s go move your car.” 

They did, and the rest of what she said was true - Sarah did make a mean turkey sandwich, and Eunice’s mac and cheese wasn’t something to be missed. He had fun getting to know her roommates, and catching Sarah’s looks when Eunice said something unhinged. It felt like they were starting to create their own private language, and he was ecstatic over it.

It was also true that the carbs and dairy from the night before did make Quinn sluggish at practice in the morning. 

“What’s up with you today?”

He shrugged off the question, “just an off morning. I’ll be fine by tonight.”

By the time the game had ended - vs the Jets, lost, in a three round shoot out - and he’d finished his media duties, Sarah had called him twice.

He called her back on the way home. 

“Hey, what’s up?” he asked when she answered. 

“Bryan’s sister went into labor, so he has to go home,” she said. 

Quinn had no idea who Bryan was. “Okay?”

“So we had our cohort review tonight before he left for Calgary. I had to miss your game, sorry.” 

If it was between her watching a game and getting dinner with his friends, he'd rather she missed the game. 

“So you can do dinner tomorrow?” he asked, relieved, and also angry with himself. If he’d just let it lie, it would have worked out for the best anyway. 

“Yep. Do you think Brady is still free?” 

“I’m sure, but I’ll call him and ask.” 

Want more Quinn & Sarah? Check out the Snapshots Masterlist

To read all my fics, check out the Fanfiction Masterlist

[asolareclipses]

(Previous Part)

Will stared at the spot Nico had disappeared from for what felt like centuries. His body was coursing with a tornado of emotions; he felt pure fear that Nico might never come back, followed by a rush of anger so strong it took full control of him.

“Are you proud of yourselves?” His voice was cold as ice as he turned to the group that had gathered, everyone was utterly silent.

“Will we didn’t mean to-“ Dana began to say but he couldn’t stand to hear another word.

“Nico has saved this camp, more times than I can count.” Will’s voice was rough in exasperation. “But that’s not good enough for you is it?”

This time he was met with blank stares and ashamed looks from the ones who had joined in the accusations.

“None of you could ever do even half of what he had to do,” Wills hands trembled, whether it was in rage or despair, he couldn’t determine. “Yet you judge him? Pathetic.” He laced that last word with more anger than he’d ever felt, before storming off back towards the big house. He was vaguely aware of Jason following behind him, and the fact that Chiron had witnessed the whole event. He didn’t acknowledge either of them until he entered the big house, slamming his hands against the table as he muttered a few choice words under his breath.

Jason seemed to hesitate before approaching, “Hey…you okay?”

It took all of Will’s energy to not snap at him, “Yep, totally fine.”

“Would you perhaps like to explain what has your tunic in such a bunch Solace?” Mr D was so surprised by Will’s demeanor that he forgot to mispronounce his name.

“Nico’s gone, he ran off or something. I don’t know,” Will sighed in frustration, raking his hands through his hair.

“Ran off?” A tense look displayed itself across Mr D’s face.

“It seems as though di Angelo has decided to take our disturbances into his own hands.” Chiron said, his voice was calm but was laced with undertones of sadness.

“Now why would he do that?” Mr D spoke again, this time his voice sharper as he dug his nails into the table.

“Because he thinks no one trusts him, like he has something to prove.” Wills anger had dissipated, his voice was now struck with frustration. “I don’t blame him either, they all turned their backs on him, just like that.” It was something Will couldn’t understand, he’d never feared Nico; Nico was a hero, yet it seemed like only a few people could see that.

“After everything he did,” Jason’s eyes looked as if they were reflecting a storm, “I can’t believe that’s how they treated him.”

“I believe Nico knows he still has many people on his side, however some of the others mistrust has led him to take on a burden that should not be solely his.” Chiron had a far away look shown across his face, “Fortunately he is not alone.”

“Not alone?” Mr D seemed to be the only one confused as he had not witnessed the earlier events.

“Right,” Jason frowned, “Leo went with him.”

“Great, out of everyone he could’ve taken with him it had to be Valerie,” Clearly Mr D went out of his way to never say Leo’s name correctly.

“We have to go after them,” Will said as his face shone with a sudden sense of pure determination.

Jason agreed as he turned to look at their directors, it was clear he wasn’t going to take no for an answer.

“Okay,” Chiron agreed, “but Rachel will arrive tomorrow morning. Seek her advice first, she may be able to point you in the right direction.”

Will wanted to argue, the idea of Nico being out there doing Gods knows what was eating him up inside; but he knew he had to wait if he wanted a better chance at finding him. Jason seemed unnerved too, his usual brave facade was falling apart as a more unraveled version of himself made its way to the surface.

After reluctantly agreeing on the plan they left the big house, walking towards the cabins as a heavy silence formed. In front of them, the sun continued to set across the horizon, filtering the colors of summer across the camp. But despite the warmth an abnormal breeze had stirred up, it seemed to dance around Jason like a visual depiction of his nerves.

“We’ll find them,” Will said his voice boasted by a false confidence he was instilling within himself.

“Right.” Jason’s voice agreed yet his face was still plagued with worries.

“You’re scared, I get it. But you know, Nico and Leo are really strong, they can handle themselves.” Will wasn’t sure if he had the right to comfort Jason when he himself was on the brink of collapse, but he knew that one of them had to be strong.

Jason sighed, stopping in his tracks as he looked up at the darkening sky. “Yeah, it’s just last time…” His voice trailed off as storm clouds rumbled across the reflections in his eyes. “I almost never saw him again.”

Will had nearly forgotten all that had happened with them, how Jason had lost Leo just to find out he was alive. But soon after Leo had to lose him too. The two of them had been in a constant cycle of losing and finding each other, always wondering if the pattern could be broken.

“Maybe it’s not the same but I know what it’s like for someone to disappear,” Will took a breath of the warm summer air before continuing, “The first time I met Nico we were both so young, I was thrilled to meet someone my age but then, poof, he was gone. Years later he showed up again, he looked like a completely different person, yet it was still him. I thought he’d stay again, but just like before one day he was just gone. I think i’ve lived every day fearing he would disappear again, now that’s it’s happened…I just need to have hope that i’ll find him. He’ll be okay, both of them will be okay.”

Will left out the part about how he lost his brother, how one second he’d stood on that bridge and the next he was gone. Whatever was left of him had never been found, it was as if he were never there. He left out how the constant loss of his siblings only burned his fear of loss deeper and deeper into his bones.

“You’re right,” Jason’s eyes seemed to clear even if only just for a moment. “They’ll be okay, they have to be.”

“They have to be.” Will repeated, putting all his hope into those words, all his fear and anger. He was going to find Nico, and everything would be okay.

Everything.

—

That night the Zeus cabin had never felt colder.

As Jason tossed and turned the spot next to him only become more hollow and empty. Without Leo’s soft breathing the room was eerily quiet, without his precence it was impossibly cold.

Jason tried to pry his mind from the old memories, yet he was always led back to that fated day, hearing Leo’s lasts words repeated over and over. The pain still felt fresh, the pain of losing him and then losing himself.

Leo had sacrificed everything to get him back, he’d gone through the underworld and back all for him. Jason could still feel the darkness surrounding them as he followed Leo into the light. A journey never meant to be completed, something said to be impossible was accomplished all because of Leo. From then on Jason knew he’d follow Leo anywhere. But now he had no idea where Leo was. It sent him into this constant state of panic, wondering if he was okay, if he was coming back.

He needed Leo to be okay, he needed him to come back. Otherwise, what was the point of everything that had happened?

It was safe to say Jason didn’t sleep that night, because every time he closed his eyes he saw Leo’s face as he said goodbye.

Morning couldn’t have come sooner. Jason now waited anxiously at his cabins table, unable to stomach much breakfast. He kept looking for signs of Rachel, he could tell Will was just as anxious. He seemed to be having a somber conversation with his siblings who all donned dark expressions. The missing member from the table really seemed to stick out, maybe Nico wasn’t someone you’d really think of as “bright” but he had really brought life to the Apollo table.

Jason almost screamed in joy when he’d heard the sound of helicopter blades suddenly approaching, of course leave it to Rachel to have a dramatic entrance. Both he and Will hurried over to where she was landing, wasting not even a second.

She seemed surprised as she stepped out of the helicopter, “Woah woah, looks like somebody’s happy to see me.”

“Rachel,” Will said in a dire tone, “we need your help.”

“Great.” She sighed, grabbing her bags as she waved off the pilot, “Let’s head to the woman cave shall we?”

After explaining the situation to Rachel her attitude seemed to change, “That’s not good. You know, I have been having some strangely dark dreams.”

“Any of them suggest where they could’ve gone? I mean Nico seemed on edge, he must’ve known something..if only i’d just asked.” Wills voice was quiet, almost as if he felt ashamed.

Rachel closed her eyes for a moment, “A light house.”

“What?” Jason and Will gave each other a puzzled look.

“I keep getting the urge to draw a lighthouse, or lighthouses? Also I saw this school, it must’ve been a boarding school.”

“Do you remember the name?” Wills eyes started to dance with a nervous energy.

“West..um..west something, I don’t know.” Rachel frowned as she tried to recall the name.

Will flinched as she spoke, hesitating before finally saying, “Westover?”

“Yeah, that’s it!” Rachel met his eyes, “How did you know that?”

“It was Nico’s last school, he went there for a while before he came to camp.” The memory seemed to bother Will as he explained, “It’s in Maine, which would explain the lighthouses.”

“Right,” Rachel nodded in agreement, “I knew I recognized the area.”

“So we have a place now right? Westover, wherever that is,” Jason said, the fact they now had an actual location to find gave him a spark of hope.

“It’s our best bet,” Will agreed, yet he didn’t look very pleased. “Let’s go talk to Chiron.”

It wasn’t a long talk, they didn’t even receive a formal quest, it was more like a recovery mission. Chiron seemed reluctant to allow them to leave but he knew the two of them were bound to go no matter what.

As Chiron handed them the keys to a camp owned car and some cash he said, “Be careful you two, I expect you to come back as four, alright?”

Will nodded, “We will make it back, all of us.”

Chiron smiled, and whether it was true smile or not Jason couldn’t tell; nonetheless it was still reassuring.

“Well Jason,” Will turned to him, dangling the keys off his fingers, “Ready for a road trip?”

(Part Five)

[fallingdownhell]

Hello again. I saw your reply and it's totally alright. I was thinking about the reactions of Vanitas and Noé when they see reader hurt. But the thing is that she is so good at hiding the fact that she is hurt that the boys don't notice till you collapse because of the loss of blood or they see the wound when she changes. I want to know how the boys will react if the reader almost dies. I want lots of comfort and to see how the boys take care of the reader. Would they freak out or will they be more calm? Would they go after the person who hurt them? P.S.- You don't need to make it a scenario if you don't like it and please make the reader female. (I am obsessed with Vanitas no Carte. I think you saw that already. But can you do this ask with Diluc, Xiao and Tighnari?) And thank you again for accepting my request. Again sorry for the long ask but I always like to explain more. Take your time and again I love your writing.

You're fine, you don't have to apologize:) I like it when people write out what they want, it gives me more to work with and less chance to screw up.

Also, it's not that I don't like either scenarios or headcanons. Just, sometimes, one is easier for me to write than the other. That's all there is to it. So no worries about requesting something specific, it's all good!

Characters Included: Vanitas; Noé

Content: female reader; blood loss; injuries; cursing; hurt/comfort

Word count: 1,2k words

Enjoy reading!

Vanitas

He took his eyes off of you for just one second... and you just had to go out and get injured!

It was a messy fight. You had insisted on accompanying him and he only agreed because he thought it wouldn't be dangerous

well, apparently he thought wrong!

at some point, you got separated from him, and even though he knew that you were able to protect yourself, he couldn't help but worry about you!

you were different from him! Your body was fragile, he would never forgive himself if you got injured because he wasn't there to protect you

once he got to you, fighting his way through the masses of enemies, he saw you clutching your left side

he immediately paniced, running towards you, calling your name

however, when he arrived at your side, you simply smiled at him, reassuring him that you were fine

at first, he obviously didn't believe you, but when you got up from the ground with minimal effort, still smiling at him and standing proudly, well... what else could he do but believe your words

that being said, he still kept an eye on you the entire way back to the city, yet you never once gave the impression of being hurt

the more you guys walked and you continued to seem fine, the more relaxed he got. His heart began to slow down again and the anxiety slowly quelling down as well

but that was only until you suddenly collapse at his side

he barely manages to catch you so your head doesn't collide with the ground to hard. His breathing quickens again as panic settles back deep inside his bones

your unconscious, and seeing as you were otherwise fine, he decided to inspect your left side, the one you were clutching earlier

upon touching your shirt, he realised that it was entirely wet, drenched in your blood that now also dripped down his hands

he gulped before pushing the fabric up, revealing a big, open wound to him. You bled out of there this entire time, and only now when he looked back at your face did he realize how pale you've gotten

"You idiot!", he cursed as he picked you up and ran to the nearest city, seeing as he had no further material with him to treat such a big wound

the adrenalin was giving him the boost that he needed to get there as quickly as possible, the only thought in his head the entire time being "Please don't die on me.. please not again.."

a few days later, you woke up again, feeling disoriented. How did you get here? Where was 'here' in the first place?

You tried sitting up, feeling how dry your throat was, but a snip of two fingers against your forehead made you fall back onto the bed again

"Stay down, idiot!", Vanitas voice rang from beside you. He looked at you, relieved that you finally woke up again. You followed his request, yet asked him for a glass of water, which he agreed to get for you

you later found out that, while you were unconscious, Vanitas had stayed by your side this entire time until you've woken up again. He never went away longer than five minutes, not able to take the seperation from you for to long. He just had to make sure that you would make it... that you would survive.

after you were all healed again, he would scold you so much for being this reckless. Didn't you realize you could have died?

Makes you promise to never hide something like that from him ever again, or he would "Make you regret your choice", whatever that meant..

Oh, and for the person who did that to you? Don't you worry... he died on the spot...

Noé

Hiding something like that from Noé... you'd have to be a pretty fucking good actor to get away with that

not only because he's an attentive boyfriend and notices even slight chances in your behaviour due to mood or other things

but also because he's a vampire and can smell blood without issue. nothing can get by his nose!

with that being said.. under the "right" circumstances.. it's even possible for someone like him to miss injuries entirely. It doesn't usually happen, but it can

And today, it seemed, was one of those days

Your boyfriend has had a pretty hectic week. Vanitas had been dragging him around all over the place, and he was exhausted. Not just a bit tired, but thoroughly worn out. To the point that his attention span was now reduced to literal seconds

When he got home that day, he was done with the world. He wanted nothing more than to go to sleep, snuggled up to you

He threw all his stuff carelessly somewhere around, telling himself that he would deal with it in the morning. On his way to the bedroom he came past the bathroom where you were currently in

He greeted you as he walked by. Had it been any other day, he would have noticed the way you jumped around at his sudden words. Or the way your eyes held a tiny bit of panic

But as things were, he didn't catch on to that. Instead, he asked if you would join him in bed, then immediately turned around and kept walking

Seconds later, he collapsed on the bed, instantly falling alseep. He awoke briefly when you joined him, climbing into his arms to snuggle up to him, however he had no idea how much time has gone by since then. And truthfully, he didn't care right now

He remembers his arm tightening around you a bit before falling back asleep. It was a quiet, good nights rest

The next morning, when he woke up next to you, he had this... unpleasant feeling that something wasn't quite right. But since he couldn't place the feeling, he decided to ignore it for now, instead choosing to stay in bed with you a few more minutes

However, when he moved his arms a bit around you, his arm felt weird.. like something had.. dried on top of it

He looked down and almost freaked out when he saw some dried and some fresh blood on his arm

He knew he himself wasn't injured, since he didn't feel any pain. But that would leave only one other option...

He looked down at you, your shirt slightly moved up your body from you moving around in your sleep, revealing to him the bandages wrapped around your entire abdomen, blood seeping out through them

He paniced, grabbing your shoulders and shaking you

You woke from that and he immediately bombarded you with thousands of questions

You tried reassuring him, telling him that since you had some knowledge on medicine, you didn't want to go to a hospital, wanting to treat it yourself

That however, will not fly with him. He picked you up then and there and brought you to the nearest ER, where you were properly taken care of

Thankfully, you didn't need to stay in there, being discharged again with just a couple of stitches, but you sure as hell gave Noé the biggest scare of his lifetime

Will scold you a bit, but will stop of you pout at him enough, telling him that you learned your lesson

Will also make you promise to never hide something like that again. Please, his poor heart wouldn't be able to take that...

[pocket-watcher]

Prompt:

"You have everyone thinking you're God when you're just a monster!"

"Silly human... God? Monster? They're synonyms~"

This is SO good. Oh my god. Here you go anon!!

Outsiders had breached the wall.

So many people had been against the “cult” in the first place.

They claimed the people joining were brainwashed.

Oh if only those outsiders knew how right they were…

“Where is he?!” One of them yelled as they stormed into the main place of worship.

Samuel narrowed his eyes. He had oh so many followers, how on earth was he meant to know who this group sought?

“Uh… you’ll need to be more specific. I’m not as omniscient as most believe I am.”

“Cut the crap, where is my husband?!” They stepped in front of the rest of their group. There were about 10 of them in total, maybe.

Far too little for them to make it back outside.

“Your husband…” Something clicked in Samuel’s mind. “Oh! You must be Katherine, aren’t you?”

The woman scowled.

“How the fuck do you know my name?”

“Your husband told me. He told me a lot of things, you know. About you. Your marriage. How he felt. About how he told you all of this and yet you never listened…” Samuel smiled.

Contrary to popular belief, controlling minds is rather methodical.

There are several steps. He’d never tell you them all, and neither would I, but you should know it always helps to find a problem to fix.

“His problem was his partner. Once I fixed that problem, he devoted himself to me. No mind control involved.”

Samuel was lying through his teeth, but she didn’t need to know that.

“I don’t need fixing. And he loves me. I know we fight,” Samuel shot her a knowing glance, “but all couples do! We love each other…”

It was suddenly like Samuel had flipped a switch.

That was how he’d built his empire. This power of persuasion. Even through looks and body language he found that if he wanted someone to think what he thought and believe in what he wanted them to he could.

And right now he wanted this place to be these peoples’ sanctuary.

Someone else from the crowd stepped forward to comfort the woman from the doubt growing in her mind.

“Do you? Love each other, that is. You’re all here to save this man, yes? But doesn’t it infuriate you that he needs saving at all? You seem like a take-charge type of person. How did you two end up together?”

Her face twisted.

He moved his body forward, mirroring her stance. People respond well when you show them you care as much as they do. However, when you don’t actually care as much as they claimed to they’re often side-swept by your enthusiasm. They back down.

Her body folded inwards, uncertain.

“I… he lets me take charge. I’m happy to, I enjoy being the one to-“

“But isn’t that exhausting? Being in control 24/7?”

The group murmured in agreement, trying to keep up their scowling faces.

It’s hard to be angry at someone you agree with.

“I can take you to your husband, if you’d like. You can discuss his decision with him?”

Samuel stood and slowly approached them down the steps upon where he had sat. He offered her his hand.

She gladly took it.

“Katherine. That really is a beautiful name…”

One of the group snapped.

“Kath, what the fuck?! All of you. You believe this shit? He’s putting you under the same fucking spell everyone here is under!”

Samuel turned back to the other woman, who wasn’t quite finished yelling.

“It’s ridiculous. You have everyone here thinking you’re a God. Well, I can see through it. You’re not a God, just a monster.”

Samuel approached her.

That thing I said earlier about being methodical? Samuel liked to take his time. It was more fun that way. But sometimes, he needed them to drop quick and easy.

He rested his hand on the woman’s shoulder and she went silent. Her eyes a grey haze.

“Silly human… God? Monster? They’re synonyms…”

He led the group away. To their new quarters. To reunite a husband and wife.

[katthyacinth]

Lured In By Her Song

Vox is Starting to fall for the mysterious newly dead popstar reader👀

Everyone in hell adored you which was the only reason Velvet agreed to a non-soul contract, she knew she had to get you on the Vees team you were too much of a prize. She was right of course.

All the numbers off the charts views and likes and shares, sales of anything Velvet put you in sold out, and when you went on Voxs show for an interview, ratings skyrocketed. Everyone wanted the gossip about your ex-spouse who you supposedly killed and Velvet was ecstatic with the profits.

So were you. Ever since you were in the vees protection you heard virtually nothing from said ex-spouse. You eventually stopped looking around corners and slept peacefully at night. As peacefully as you could in hell. Vox had been right too having a phone in your hands, having social media brought a sort of familiar comfort. He was happy you were using it too.

Of course, all phones have GPS you knew that. What you didn't know is that the tech overlord was specifically spying on you and had modified the phone he gave you. Totally for business reasons and totally not because he was nosy and wanted to see what such a pretty little thing like you was getting up to on a regular basis.

Maybe this is what Velvet was talking about he thought. He found out she had decided to officially call your fans "sailors" since sailors get lured by a sirens song. Clever, and as the days went by he found out, true. Something enticed him with you. He wanted to know your secrets. Once again only for blackmailing purposes totally not because he was genuinely interested. You were too kind to be in hell probably second only to Princess Charlie herself. However, he knew what you did. And you had refused to sign a soul contract, you were peculiar indeed.

You awaken one particularly early hellish morning to a buzz on your phone

-Ms. You have a new scheduled shoot time on Voxs floor for the music video in 2 hours. Ok ty, I'll head over now then- -The car will be waiting for you miss

It was your new assistant the vees had hired for you, she was quite nice, although her message did make you wonder. You thought they had gotten all the shoots they needed for this week but maybe they forgot something. You shrug and head downstairs to find your driver, also courtesy of the Vees.

Meanwhile, Vox waited in the studio, he hadn't gotten much time to talk to you since you arrived, and as mentioned earlier he was intrigued. The only things he knew about you were from social media and from the interview he did when you first signed. He figured he could sit in on the shoot to make sure everything was done right and watch you all at the same time. His thoughts come to a halt when the clicking of your shoes enters the room followed by your voice. "Good morning Kitty, good morning Nex, thank you, Gigi." Vox for a moment thought he was alive because there was no way in hell (quite literally) that you were being polite to all the assistants.

You finally catch a glimpse of Vox sitting next to the camera crew on set, catching you off guard. Doesn't this man have an empire to run? He surely has better things to do than be here.

"Uh good morning Vox, sir?" you say trying to hide your confusion.

"So glad you're on time, yes some of our less-than-capable demons didn't get the shot Velv and I quite wanted last week. Don't worry we took care of them but unfortunately, that means we must reshoot it but you're more than happy to do that right?" his signature fake PR voice oozed.

You hesitantly nod. "It's not a problem at all that's what I'm here for" You give a half smile, it was way too early for this.

"That's what I like to hear, ok everyone places were redoing shots 22-30" He enthusiastically yells out, as he then places a hand on your back and leads you to the set. Being this close to him for a split second made you realize how tall he was now. You basically were trapped against him. In the brief moment before he let go pushing you in front of the lights, you could feel that he faintly buzzed as well, a warm hum was always coursing through his body that you could feel from his hand that was placed on your back

You didn't have any more time to contemplate it however as you snapped out of your thoughts.

Three, Two, One, Action!

And boy when that camera turned on. Shit you could dance, Vox thought. Calling off his morning meeting was totally worth it now as he sat watching the two hour shoot.

"Cut! That's A Wrap, For Real This Time!" Some demon behind the camera shouts.

Vox walks up to you as an assistant hands you a drink, you're still huffing and puffing from the toll dancing took on your body. "Ah sir, is there anything else you need?" you ask him still wondering why he was here in the first place.

"Just Vox is fine doll, and you have done well for the day, we don't want to overwork our little trophy star. However, with the vague terms and circumstances of your contract, I would like to have a meeting with you, for business matters." It's that heavy sweetly fake tone again.

You hesitate but then speak "Of course I understand sir"

"Vox" he corrects you then continues. "Good I'll have my assistant set a time and have them message you." He smirks and then bids his farewell zapping through the filming equipment to who knows where.

Your mind wanders to the strange circumstances of the day as your driver takes you back to your apartment. Why was Vox himself there? You were under Velvets contract why does he want a meeting? and why did you feel a strange sense of comfort when he had touched you?...

Pt 4 Pt 6

[storiesbyjes2g]

3.89 Lose control

During our conversation about pre-wedding activities, Sophia and I found the idea of having a party appealing, but we had reservations about the traditional bachelor and bachelorette party. I'd never been to one, but I'd heard stories about them. Getting wasted and dancing with other women didn't appeal to me at all. My party didn't have to follow that formula; we could spend the night however I wanted. But the real reason we were anxious was because we both we both had a small circle of friends. We loved kicking it with our respective squads, but a party with just one or two sims wouldn't be lit.

"What if we did a joint co-ed party?" she offered.

That was the most brilliant idea, and it relieved us both. I mean, the whole point of a bachelor/bachelorette party was just to hang out with friends and have a good time, right? Who's to say we couldn't do that together? Our friends and their plus ones were enough sims for a fun, intimate party.

We tried to take Mama's advice and not show up early this time and walked in with the first wave. Heh, if Sophia had agreed to my offer earlier, we could have been super late, but let's not dwell on that. While getting a drink, I saw Alessia. I was low-key pissed, to be honest. Not enough to make a scene or even snub her all night, but we were definitely not okay.

Dub snuck up on me, and I almost dropped my drink.

"This is a nice place," he said. "The food selection is...interesting."

"Yeah. I guess I should have been more specific when I requested light refreshments."

"It's all good. Nothing like a little natural sugar to get you pumped up!"

"That's right. I expect to see everyone dancing, Dubstep."

"Dubstep??"

"Yeah! I think it's about time I gave you a nickname."

"But Dubstep though? I can't stand that music! It's everywhere at home!"

"Sorry, dude. I'm not often this clever. It's sticking!"

"Ugh! You better be glad your name can only be shortened, or I'd come up with something annoying for you too!"

"HA! Thank you, granddad I never met, for a boring name."

"Oh, hi Dub," Sophia said. "Thanks for coming!"

"Of course I'd come. I gotta make sure my boy Luc stays out of trouble!"

Sophia laughed.

"That's kind of you, but totally unnecessary."

I loved she said that. We had several conversations about my female friends, and she always expressed her acceptance of them. I believed her, but part of me wondered if she was actually cool with it or just trying to avoid conflict. Those conversations triggered her sometimes, and I knew she was still dealing with scars her ex-trash man inflicted. I never gave her a reason to doubt me, and I intended to keep it that way. Even so, her display of trust touched me deeply.

Less and Justin were chilling in the corner, probably relieved that I was busy. Did they keep in touch? Probably not. Regardless, I was happy they maintained a small connection, even though I still believed he was much too old for her. Once Rashidah and her husband showed up, Sophia hit the dance floor and got the party going. I sat down and watched her, mesmerized by the thought that tomorrow she would be my wife.

Chi Chi latched onto Maia as soon as she arrived and did not let her go. When Dub noticed, he not-so-casually got closer and watched their every move. I don't know why I thought it was funny, but I laughed anyway. Seeing him transition through this relationship, going from uncertainty about pursuing it to worrying about someone encroaching on them, was fun to watch. I knew Chi Chi was harmless, but he didn't, so I didn't laugh too hard. Still, what was Maia thinking? She was so gracious to endure all that talking for two nights straight. I knew all too well how draining it could be, trying to keep up with all the words that flew out of her mouth.

I eventually finished my drink and got out there to shake it with everyone. Poor Dub didn't even take one step and spent the whole night watching Maia and Chi Chi. I made a mental note to talk to him about it before we left, so it didn't become a big deal later on.

The fruity drinks were lame, so I invited everyone to the bar downstairs and bought us a round. The thumping bass from the DJ downstairs reverberated through the walls, injecting a surge of energy into our group. Moving the party downstairs was a genius move. The room was buzzing with excitement. Lively conversations and laughter filled the air. In the midst of all the excitement, I spotted Less trying to slip away, but I quickly caught her eye and called her out.

"Where were you last night?"

"What?"

"The engagement dinner? You didn't show."

She shrugged.

"I didn't want to go."

I needed a moment before replying, because her response struck a nerve. Her indifference was no stranger to me; I'd been dealing with it my whole life. It annoyed me then, and triple annoyed me now. I usually coped with it by ignoring her, but this was something I could not shrug off.

"You couldn't at least call and tell me you weren't coming?"

"I guess. Why are you so upset? You had the dinner and now this party. They're pretty much the same thing, so why do I have to come to both?"

I was teetering on the edge of losing my cool, and it caught me off guard. Despite all the challenges I faced in my life, I could never truly feel angry. I could've been mad at Dad taking us away from Mama, but I was just a little kid and more scared than anything. I couldn't bring myself to be angry with Mama for breaking up our family because my love for her was too strong. Less always got on my nerves, and I could've been mad at her countless times, but I felt pressured to always be in control as the oldest, especially since she always copied me. I just wanted to experience losing control for once, but was that the moment to waste my chance? In the grand scheme of things, it wasn't that serious. Less was just being Less, and as much as it pained me to overlook it again, I just took a few deep breaths and re-centered myself before responding.

"You're my sim of honor, Less. Does that even mean anything to you? We were doing toasts, and you weren't there. Dub did a toast for me, and we just met. Maybe I should have asked him or Maira to be my sim of honor."

"I'm sorry, Luca! I thought it was just a casual dinner or something. I didn't think you'd be mad."

I sighed and shook my head at her.

"You never do, Less."

Speaking of Dub, I saw him stewing on the sidelines, so I let Less go and went to de-escalate him.

"Am I crazy?" he asked as I sat down. "Is she really that bold that she would try to take my girl in front of my face?"

I was glad to have something comical to take my mind off my annoying sister.

"She's harmless, man. A bit of a flirt, yes, and she talks a lot, but she would never do that to you. She's sweet."

"Brooo! The talking! I thought maybe she liked me too because she had me hemmed up all night last night. I barely escaped in time to make a toast!"

I laughed.

"Believe me...I am aware. I feel like she has a word quota she has to reach every day or she'll explode or something."

"Yeah, and she's spending it all on us!"

"Seriously... But for real...I really appreciate you doing that last night. My sister should have been the one making that toast, but she wasn't there, and that really hurt my feelings."

"Oh, I'm sorry. I got you, bro. Whatever you need."

"I appreciate that, Dubstep."

"HEY!"

Dub and Maia by @mysimsloveaffair

[graysnetwork]

HERMOSA

(I’m in severe need of more Luis fics, and I feel bad for spamming the same ppl but there’s no other ppl who write for him🫠)

Notes— I was planning on the reader speaking a bunch of Spanish throughout the story but I forgot until the end so hopefully it’s okay. AFAB reader. My tumblr also glitched so there might be misspelled things.

Summary— Luis is enjoying giving nicknames to Leon’s partner because she decided to keep her name a secret. But she’s enjoying it too.

Warnings— none, im pretty sure

You, Leon, and ashley ran into the house, breathing heavily because of the rush from running away from the ganados, Leon was mad at the man who had shouted at all of of you guys to come get inside of the building. "You" Leon said pushing the guys against the wall, "listen about earlier!" The man said, you could hear his accent in the sentence

"Yeah about that" Leon mocked him almost, "Ahh, I see you found your missing señorita, and got your partner back" the man said. Ashley walked in front of your "señorita has a name, Ashley" she told him, both you and Leon trusted her to keep herself safe but you didn't know if you could trust this man so you walked up to stand beside her.

"And you are?" You asked, "Luis Serra, encantado" he responded almost immediately "and your name hermosa?" He asked you "that's not important" you told him Leon hummed agreeing with you, Luis looked back at him remembering he was being held against a wall.

"What are you doing here?" Leon asked Luis, "very good questions, unfortunately" luis nodded off to bring all of your guys' attention to the ganados walking through the gate.

“I think we need to continue this conversation later,

I'll get your name later hermosa"

—

Ashley yelled from across the building "Guys! This way, hurry!" You turned to her before turning back and shooting a ganado. Even more started to raid the building so the three of you guys started running out of the house that you guys had been inside.

You guys finally got away from all the zombie, and Ashley began to cough you checked her hand as she looked at it scared, "Ashley, is this your first time coughing up blood like that?" Luis asked her, she nodded in response "you wanna explain something?" Leon asked Luis.

He explained that, what Ashley was experiencing was plagas. Luckily you guys had found out at an early stage so hopefully you could get rid of it from her body.

"So, that's plagas?" You asked, he hummed and nodded his head, you sighed and began to walk away from the group looking around wanting to distract yourself from that new found information.

"We won't let her turn into one of them, It'll be alright hermosa" Luis told you, he assumed you were worried about Ashley, which you were obviously, but you were also worried about yourself.

"Im not just worried about her, I think I have plagas" you said, "what?" Ashley asked, "| started coughing up blood and feeling terrible about two hours ago, I thought I was just disgusted by this whole. situation, but I guess not!" You said shrugging. "Don't worry mi carino, l'll take care of you, I won't let anything happen to you" Luis told you. You smiled at Luis' choice of nick name for you, it was cute and it was nice you were the only one who understood him

If Ashley even had a clue of these names he was giving you she would totally make fun of you, or ship you guys.

But you thought it wasn't anything more than flirting, you could tell that Luis was the flirty type and you didn't think it was anything more than that but knowing Ashley (after a little while) she'd totally ship you guys and tell you guys you were perfect for each other.

But you lightly nodded to him before he began talking again "luckily, we can remove these parasites from you guys when we get to my laboratory" he said, reassuring you that he would get the plagas removed from the two of you.

"Why are you helping us?" Leon asked him, "because it makes me feel better, let's leave it at that" he said plainly.

"how about you come with me hermosa?" Luis suggested, Leon looked at you, he didn't want you to go with him because he still did not trust him and what he was up to.

“Well keep each other safe" Luis said, "he must really want me to go with him„ you thought to yourself “alright then” you said, smiling at Leon trying to reassure him that you’d be fine. “Great, we’ll be in contact” Luis said and began walking away, waving his radio around to show Leon how they would be in contact.

—

“so why did you want me to come with you?” You asked Luis “because, you were infected first so you need to be taken care of first” Luis said looking around, “and” he added “I still haven’t gotten your name” he said smiling.

“You really wanna know huh” you said teasingly, “of course, a beautiful woman must have a beautiful name” he said, his words made your cheeks heat up.

“Hm, I don’t know if I should tell you” you told him, you two were standing in a forest, in the middle of nowhere, flirting with each other. You both knew this was not the right place or time to be doing this but it was fun, plus it gave you a distraction to all the chaos that was going on around you guys.

Although, ever since you separated from Leon, there wasn’t any danger around you and Luis, or at least less danger. Maybe danger and chaos followed Leon around.

“Im kind of enjoying these nicknames your giving me Luis” you told him, you were getting closer to him, and grabbed the zipper of his jacket and played around with it.

“You are?” He says, his voice barely above a whisper, he was getting more red by every second you two were getting closer.

“Mhmm” you hummed, and got on your tippy toes to get even closer face to face. “So I’ll keep it a secret for little longer” you said as you backed away, standing normally again, you patted his chest and continued on your way, walking on the trail you two were following. Luis just watched as you walked away from him, the way your hips swayed and the way you your black cargo pants somehow hugged your figure perfectly.

He scoffed and began following you, taking out his lighter to play with since it was boring. It was quiet, only the crunching of the leaves beneath your guy’s feet were heard, before you asked “so, is this “procedure” gonna hurt?” Luis was silent for a moment before answering “yes, but I’m sure you can handle it”

You smiled at the compliment, but then heard one of the villager’s voice shout “ahí están!” And were met with several others coming your guy’s way, you both turned to each other and you tilted you head meaning you were ready to go, Luis nodded and took the lead, and you followed.

—

You two finally got through the trail after killing the ganados, Luis groaned and you turned to see if he was hurt, he looked annoyed and disgusted “something happen?” You asked, and he looked back at you “they got my jacket dirty” Luis said, you chuckled “we can clean it later” you told him.

“Y’know, usually I would’ve said ladies first but, we can’t risk getting your pretty face getting dirty”

“Such I gentlemen”

—

You two had been walking for a few minutes, about 20 minutes if you had to guess, you had started to feel a bit light headed, you assumed it would go away and it was just a small side effect from the plaga.

But I didn’t go away, and your head was feeling worse every second, so you decided to stop and stand for a while, give yourself a rest.

Luis was still walking as you didn’t have enough energy to say something, he was only a few steps away from you before you said “Luis” weakly

And he turned to look at you, before you collapsed and passed out, he was able to catch you in time before you could hit the dirt. “Mierda, hold on I’ve got you” he said, and got a hold of you so he could carry you.

—

He finally got to his laboratory and opened the door, the squeak of the door opening was able to wake you up, “oh good your awake” he said, you still felt like shit, Luis placed you on the chair before tapping the screen next to it.

“Okay, this is the procedure, se va a sentir horrible” he told you, “mhm, nomas apúrate, I already feel like shit” you replied.

He nodded and pressed the button on the screen and the machine began to move and you finally felt it happen.

It was absolutely terrible just like Luis said but you tried to stay awake, but immediately passed out again.

—

Finally what felt like forever for Luis, you woke up, blinking a few times, but you didn’t feel bad anymore, “Te sientes bien mi amor?” He asked, you smiled at the name and nodded “feel like a million bucks” you joked.

Luis chuckled, and he pulled away from the hug, you sat up on the edge of the chair “so, it’s gone now?” You asked, “yes” he replied, face began to inch closer to yours, tilted at a perfect angle for him to lean in and kiss you right then and there.

You were getting impatient by now, so you grabbed his collar and pulled him into a kiss, it was perfect, his hands placed on your hips as you wrapped one of your arms round his neck and the other was placed gently on his chest.

He was so passionate about it and you didn’t want it to end, if you guys weren’t in the situation you were in right now, you would’ve stayed there forever, you didn’t want to let go of him, not now, not when you were barley getting to feel his lips on yours.

He pulled away slowly, for the both of you to get some air, you opened your eyes immediately when he started to move away from you, you watched as he opened his eyes slowly, he looked almost as if he was drunk, but also so handsome.

“Y/n” you told him, “Que?” He asked, “my name, since you wanted to know so bad” you said.

He smiled, “so I was right, una chica hermosa tiene un nombre hermosa” he said, and you smiled back at him before grabbing his collar again and pulling him into another deep and long kiss, one that you would not be pulling away from any time soon.

[jadeylovesmarvelxo]

Complicated

Steve's Version.

Final part.

Warnings: Angst to fluff.

Eddie's Version ( final part) will be posted soon. What would you all like to see in it? 💕

❤️

"You're an idiot Steve Harrington" It's not the fist time Nancy has said it to him, it's the first time it's 100% true though.

She's glaring at him, pissed off at him. Robin has already declared he's a dingus as well.

Nancy had came from yours after girls night to find you growing upset at the romantic movies you were watching with her and Robin.

That lead to her finding about you and Steve and what happened two nights ago, to say she was annoyed at Steve was an understatement.

"Why couldn't you let her down gently. You acted like an asshole Steve and that's not you, not anymore" Robin rolls her eyes at him.

"The dingus is totally crazy about her but thinks she only has eyes for Eddie because she had like a super crush on him for a long time. Steve, anyone with eyes can see that she's smitten with you now"

Nancy turns to him, folds her arms and gives him her best disappointed look.

"If you want to know how she feels then ask her. She's not a mind reader, she doesn't know why you're upset"

Nancy's words ring in his head and he knees he needs to speak with you. He will do it.

Soon.

♥️

Steve didn't expect Eddie to visit him at home but the metalhead barged in glaring daggers at Steve.

"You know yn is trying to put on a brave face but I caught her crying earlier. I don't like seeing her cry, you better have a good explanation for the other night dude?"

Steve doesn't know what to say. He can't tell Eddie how you feel about him? Still feel for him?

"Just butt out man okay. It's between me and her. I'll fix it" Eddie's eyes narrow at him and he stalks forward, anger all over his face.

"I won't have you mess her about Harrington. This is what I was worried about. You fucking with her because you're still in love with Nancy"

Steve snaps then. He's tired and misses you, Eddies comment sends him over the edge.

"I'm not in love with Nancy. Not anymore, I'm in love with yn" Steve yells back and Eddie stops ranting and cocks his head and looks sheepish.

"Oh... Then you need to tell her this dude. She needs to know, instead of worrying herself sick that you have gotten bored of her"

Steve stiffens. He never wants you to think that. Doesn't want to be one of those assholes who mess with people's feelings.

"Where is she?" he needs to see you, clear the air and hope you forgive him for being an idiot.

"She's at home. Don't fuck this up Steve. I mean it"

♥️

When your doorbell rings you expect it to be Eddie or maybe Nancy and Robin.

It's Steve, he's holing a bunch of flowers and your feeling of joy is dampened by your annoyance and hurt of the other day.

"What do you want Steve?" he holds out the flowers to you and you take them, smiling a little. They are beautiful, you thank him but you're still mad and want answers.

"I'm sorry I've been a jerk. I can't apologise enough honey. The truth is I realised something a few days ago but I was worried you still had feelings for Eddie"

This softens you just a teensy bit and you shake your head.

"Not anymore. I should have told you but I thought maybe you were still hung up on Nancy" theres a spark of hope inside of you when he shakes his head.

"Fuck no, not anymore. God all of this stupid shit wouldn't have happened if I just talked to you. If we both just communicated"

"I agree. We need to communicate more Steve, we're so good at it usually but with you being distant and saying this is just sex it's made me anxious to try and talk to you"

He gives you a look full of determination and nods.

"That was a lie. This is more than just sex to me sweetheart, when I heard Chrissy and Eddie broke up and I seen you two so close the other night, I got scared that I'd lose you"

Shaking your head you gently rest your palm on his cheek, heart aching he's been so worried. You wish he had just told you this, things could have been resolved quickly.

"I want to be with you Steve, the truth is I'm in love with you and I understand if you don't feel that way I just...

You're cut off as his lips press to yours, he's smiling and looking at you with adoration.

"I love you too honey, I've fallen head over heels for you" the both of you are giddy at this point, the angst of the last few days vanishing.

Steve kisses you sweetly, pulls you close. Whispering words of love and you can't belive this is real.

Just weeks ago you were heartbroken over Eddie, yet in such a short space of time you've fallen in love with the most amazing man.

You're happier than you ever thought possible, all thanks to one drunken night all of those weeks ago.

❤️

[multi-fandomsfreak]

The fact your the only who writes any mario's madness character is a godsend cause I am a HUGE fan of that game

You can ignore if the request are closed, I did try to find the status. Can you do a headcanon relationship with Secret History Mario? (he is underrated imo 👉👈)

Relationship Headcanons for Secret History Mario

Hey there! Thanks for the ask!

Don’t worry you just managed to send in your request in time, I’ve added it to my pined post so if you want to know when the requests are opened or closed just look there (just so I don’t have to constantly post about it). Also I completely agree that he is underrated and I love him so much. It’s kind of extreme (in a way) how much I love him. ~J/Blaze

Pronouns: Not Mentioned

Warning: ❌

Requested: Yes/No

Characters: Secret History Mario + Secret History Luigi

Proofread: ❌

Credits: Art by TaylorSwitch64 on Twitter + Banner by f3malez on Pinterest

———————————

- Okay first things first I would like to say, how? How did you get the well known dictator to decide to pursue a relationship with you? Knowing him you probably must have caught his eye in a way which caused him to go up to you. To have someone like him being interested in you is something. Admittingly you were a little suspicious of him having alternative motives regardless you decided to go along with it. But surprisingly he was actually pretty cool to be around. Like sure he did some shit to people but let’s ignore that but like I said earlier you managed to catch his attention which means that he genuinely wanted to know you better unlike anyone else.

- Before and even after you and him decided to be in a relationship with each other he’s very smug out of the two of you. He’s just naturally cocky and a little shit but that’s why we love him. He likes to tease you by giving you off handed comments every time you two decide to hang out. But besides that he does genuinely enjoy being around you he just expresses it in his way which can be different from other people but it is what it is and as long as you don’t mind it then he doesn’t see the harm in it.

- You thought you were surprised when he wanted to be friends with you. Well you were even more surprised when you found out he liked you. Like sure you saw that he treated you differently to other people but you didn’t pay that much attention to it. Even the dictator himself was surprised at his sudden love for you. At first he didn’t want to admit it, not because he was afraid of how you would react, he's just stubborn. It takes him a while to be open with his feelings because he feels like he needs to constantly be seen as tough instead of a person who instantly gets soft because of someone. Like sure every time he hangs out with you his heart beats faster, a smile forms on his face when you say something simple even chuckling to himself when you say something funny, the way he just stares at you paying attention to every detail of your face, sometimes getting caught by his brother Luigi smiling to himself because he suddenly decided to think of you. But even then he’s too stubborn to admit it, despite concrete evidence of his love for you.

- But even with his stubbornness he does reach a breaking point where he has to tell you that he likes you or else god knows what he might do if he doesn’t. So he decided to plan a totally not mini date for you. Telling his brother to make sure no one interrupts the two of you. He surprisingly put a lot of effort into it. You never knew he could be such a romantic when putting an effort into it. It took some time but eventually he did tell you how he felt about you, in his own way to which you accepted them.

- He kind of has a soft spot for you in a way although he doesn’t directly, like I said he can be quite stubborn he prefers to show his love for you in private. He doesn’t often do it in public, the most he’ll do is hold your hand, having you close to him. The only time I can imagine him actually being willing to be lovey open is if he has to. Mostly if he thinks someone isn’t taking yours and his relationship seriously. The shit this man will do just to show people that no you aren’t single and yes you are dating him is something.

- He’s surprisingly really flirty and loving towards you. He knows what gets you flustered and honestly he really likes seeing you become a stuttering mess. He does some many romantic gestures towards you from something simple as kissing your hand to many more things. The more time you spend around him the more romantic he becomes. He likes having you close to him, having his arms around you, his hands constantly on your body just keeping you there until he’s done, even if you or him need to do something.

- He can be extremely clingy depending on his mood. It’s kind of refreshing seeing him like this, after doing his usual shit sometimes all he likes to think about is just going back home seeing you and just cuddling with you, resting till the both of you fall asleep. At this point he doesn’t really care if he does come across as clingy. He waited for however long he did to see you again, it’s not his fault he’s not actually happy till he sees you.

- It kind of takes him a bit to get jealous, not too quickly but not that long but with the right way you can get him jealous. When he does he just gives the person the meanest death glare causing shivers being sent said person's back. Around you he gets a bit pouty and as mentioned earlier overly loving. He honestly doesn’t understand how someone else has the balls to flirt with you, especially around him. He finds those types of people clearly idiotic considering his reputation would anyone be stupid enough to do that.

- Obviously due to his role as a dictator you can often find yourself hanging out with him in his office. Also since you and him often like to hang out there you often found yourself talking to his brother Luigi as well. He’s pretty much the only person Mario trusts to be around you. I mean with him being his brother and his bodyguard he knows he won’t do anything with you. When he’s unable to make sure you're ok he asks his brother to check up on you and if anything is bothering you he tells his brother before getting rid of what was making you uncomfortable.

- Overall, despite his background he can actually be good to be around and a loving person.

———————————

[filmmarvel]

PJO Series Overall Thoughts + Pros and Cons

Disclaimer! First of all, there are a lot more cons than pros here, and if you loved the show and don’t want to hear my criticism just keep scrolling. Second, I’m not someone to complain just because it isn’t exactly how it was in the book! I have quite a range of feelings about story changes. In regard to the ones I’ve listed as cons, i’m just irritated that they haven’t been able to match the book in frankly any capacity. I believe that if you’re making changes, it should be a) out of necessity, b) to improve upon the material, or c) taking positive creative license to try a new spin on an element from the source material. But the changes I’m complaining about, for the most part, haven’t met any of those requirements.

Pros:

Sets and Visuals

It was so magical seeing camp come to life!

The Underworld looks fantastic, the visuals are super cool, especially the Fields of Asphodel. That was a really cool spin on the books- the CGI was pretty good, and the concept there was really interesting.

Olympus was very cool looking too! It reminded me of Asgard.

Overall I Just Think There’s Lots of Potential!

Since the leads are fairly inexperienced (and kids), you can’t expect them to be incredible. They’re doing just fine, but I think they have a lot of potential, and I’m excited to see them grow over the course of the series!

Generally I still really like the casting and have high hopes for these actors, I just wish (for our sake and theirs) that they had better material to work with.

Plot Changes

This ones kind of a pro AND a con: Generally, I really like the flashbacks! They add a lot more depth to Sally, and her relationships with Percy and Poseidon. That being said, the episodes typically feel far too short to be adding material that wasn’t in the books. I thought it was fantastic in episode 7, but in other episodes it didn’t quite work when so much else was cut, or there were opportunities left untaken as a result.

I also liked that they included a few flashbacks with Luke in the finale- there was so much training and time at camp that didn’t fit into the first two episodes.

They got rid of the “names have power” stuff which is great (never made sense in the books).

They did a really nice job humanizing Medusa, but still creating conflict with her, and simultaneously setting up further issues with the gods.

I also agreed with their decision to move the fight from Santa Monica to Montauk, to save time.

Cons:

Dialogue and Writing

The dialogue is definitely less charming than in the books. It’s a huge part of what makes them fun, and the dialogue here is honestly pretty bland. The characters don’t totally feel like themselves, but it isn’t only the acting. Forcing the characters to be explaining stuff to each other nearly every time they have a conversation makes them a lot less personable.

Honestly, this series feels kind of elementary in comparison to the middle grade books. I’d imagine that, like the books, they were aiming to create something that could be enjoyed by young kids and adults alike. But I didn’t find it as successful as the book in this regard.

And the dialogue is consistently so surface level! Stiff, boring, and above all, CONSTANTLY telling over showing. This affects the likability of the characters, and the ability of the actors. Both parties are deterred by the info dumping, as they aren’t really given as many genuine lines or interactions as they should have.

Honestly, it kind of feels a bit like they gave some of Percy’s personality to Annabeth in parts of the show? I saw someone else point out that they’re kind of giving Annabeth the Hermione treatment (ie giving her some of the other characters good moments), which I kind of agree with. However, a lot of that was towards the beginning and middle of the season and has somewhat improved since.

I posted a whole rant earlier about the Lotus Casino episode, which I’ll just summarize: theres a consistent pattern in the show of having the characters figure out what’s going on immediately, removing the danger, and more importantly, not allowing the characters to make mistakes, which weakens both them and the plot. In addition, I didn’t like that they brought up May Castellan already, primarily because it was just another info dump, which (in my mind) gets lost amongst all the other info dumps and removes the poignancy from the reveal. Now, there’s absolutely time to fix the May Castellan situation and ensure that it still packs a punch later on, but for this season it wasn’t great. Go check out my last post if you’d like to hear the rest of my argument on that episode!

Some additional examples of the ‘not letting the characters experience danger’ thing: Procrustes (obviously), and Kronos- forget whether or not Percy should know who Kronos is, the biggest issue is that there’s very little evidence or buildup, so (again) there’s no tension or shock at the reveal. And finally, with Luke. I was so annoyed when Percy figured it out! I could’ve believe that they were doing it AGAIN. I still enjoyed that scene because Walker and Charlie were great, but that was disappointing for sure.

The thing with the pearls honestly amounted to nothing, and there was no reason for Annabeth to not be present in the underworld: that was just a tearjerker for the sake of being a tearjerker (manufactured drama).

Lowering the Stakes

I just wish they’d made it SLIGHTLY more mature- don’t get me wrong, it’s a kids show! I’m very well aware of that! But this feels a lot tamer than a lot of kids (PG) movies involving monsters and stuff.

Gabe was a real piece of shit in the books, but in the show they just kinda made him look lazy and turned him into comic relief. And I don’t believe in the argument that they had to make this change to benefit a younger audience- they didn’t really need to change anything there.

Throughout the majority of the season, I felt like they weren’t allowing the gods to be truly intimidating, or powerful. First with Ares, who wasn’t BAD but generally didn’t have that kind of dramatic presence that he had in the books. Again with Hades, who wasn’t shown as being REMOTELY intimidating, and perhaps the biggest offense of all- Zeus. Having the deadline pass with seemingly zero consequence or threat of consequence does absolutely nothing (and certainly doesn’t increase tension like I’m pretty sure Rick Riordan said was their reason for changing it). Up until the finale, viewers had very few reasons to fear the Gods. Even Dionysus and Hephaestus! In the books there’s a clear line- you can interact with them, but you DONT want to offend them. There’s a clear threat of power, and that just wasn’t remotely present for a while.

And again, I just want to clarify- this is an overall writing problem! It’s not that Ares, or any other one of the gods I just mentioned has a different personality than in the books, it’s that a show like this (KIDS OR NOT) should still be compelling, and part of that includes having real danger and clear stakes.

I would add that they did a much better job with this in the finale! Lance Reddick gave such an amazing performance, and truly made Zeus an intimidating figure. The fight on the beach with Ares was great as well. So I’m optimistic about this criticism moving into season 2, but I stand by the idea that this was an issue for the majority of the series.

Overall, it felt like they weren’t taking the serious parts seriously, AND they didn’t take the comedy as seriously either? So it isn’t as lighthearted OR as impactful as the books. It feels so much more bland and watered down by comparison.

Episodes Were Too Short

Everything just flowed really well in the books, here the pacing is off and the dialogue isn’t as natural (again, they’re forced to rely on a lot of telling instead of showing which takes away from genuine moments). Many character details and personality traits were cut for the sake of additional verbal explanation

As many others have pointed out, the fight scenes also feel pretty rushed, and haven’t quite conveyed the sense of urgency that they should. It all just lowers the stakes.

This Ones Kind of a Joke, but the Casting for Hephaestus

It’s mostly my book bias. This guy was NOT giving Hephaestus. Mainly because Hephaestus is the god of the forge, and I can’t picture this guy anywhere near one of those. He kind of looked like one of Santa’s elves, he’s giving tinkerer not GOD of the FORGE. This is also something they can absolutely fix/win me over in time lmao

Changes

I already mentioned most of the changes (good and bad) already, but there’s one more. I kind of wish they had kept Percy’s dream about Tartarus, especially given that they decided to have Percy figure out Kronos is behind it all earlier- it just would’ve clicked a little easier.

Finishing Thoughts

I don’t want to totally sound like a hater! I’m still enjoying the series, and I really hope it gets renewed for season 2! I was just disappointed in the weak writing. I hope that the writers will be able to recognize these flaws and improve for season 2.

Alright, I don’t really expect anyone to read this whole thing, but if you made it: thanks for reading! I’m curious to hear your thoughts, so I’d really appreciate comments, just keep it civil!

[golbrocklovely]

since i have nine asks (and counting) about this situation/drama, i'm just gonna make one big ass post about it instead of addressing everything individually.

first and foremost, just to put it out there as loudly as possible: if you don't agree with me, that is totally, 1000% fine. i have never once claimed my opinion is the law of the land. HOWEVER, i will not argue with you on why i'm right or you're right or who's wrong when it comes to this whole thing. i'll be totally honest with yall, i am deeply tired of dealing with drama when it comes to snc. which is why i ask kindly that once i make this post, i stop receiving asks about this situation. this, tied with the cody and satori "controversy' has made it very hard to be in this fandom bc all the talk has been deeply annoying to deal with.

this shouldn't come as a shock to anyone, but i don't like seeing negative things about snc. i know, crazy right? that would include a lot of the shit that has been going on for weeks now ever since the conjuring. so, i'm tired. and i ask that yall just don't push me to talk more about this than i want to.

and again, if you don't agree with me, that's great. you're very much in your right to feel however you want. but this topic, to me, is not up for discussion. if you want to talk about it, go to reddit or twitter or anywhere else. i just can't be bothered to talk about this at length more than this post.

so, some of you might be majorly confused as to what the drama is even in the first place. this video was posted earlier this morning about snc and seth when they were at the bellaire house a year or so back. in it, there is security footage that was leaked to this random guy on youtube and he shows three clips of snc and seth acting inappropriately.

first clip was sam asking how they were going to outro the video and seth responded with "kristin (the owner of the bellaire house) is gonna come back and blow all three of us and then we're getting the fuck out of here." colby then says "yes" nonchalantly.

now, this clip is gross, ngl. but the thing is… seth is the one that said it. i don't think it's crazy of me to say that if anyone is apologizing, it should be him. now, was it great to see colby "agree" with him? no, of course not. it's a shame he did that. but it's not the first time guys i like have disappointed me. men are going to say inappropriate shit, especially when no women are around (which btw kristin was not in the house when the comment was said). i'm not saying this negates what happened, i'm just saying realistically shit like this happens all the time. it's not great, and i didn't like seeing that. but i also understand that shit like this happens. idk what else to say, maybe i'm just numb to it.

what makes this clip, i think, more intense, is that at the end of the video the guy shows snc and seth talking to kristin and she explains to them that she's upset at what they did (along with something else that happened). a cop comes in to give a police report (bc they broke a boo buddy) and you can hear the cop say "i watched the footage, and i would say you should charge them with sexual harassment." now, imma be honest, i didn't know a single comment could get someone charged. idk what state the bellaire house is in, but… something about that sounds wrong? but i also don't know the law so don't quote me on it. the thing is, kristin did not charge anyone with sexual harassment. and she sounded like, to me, that that was a jump the police wanted to make that she was not aiming for. most likely, the only reason she got a police report done in the first place is bc of insurance, since that is her business and having something broken usually requires some form of "proof" that it happened, aka a police report. at least, i know that's how pa runs.

i would like to also add about this part of the video, snc sent ss to this guy that posted all of this, bc they knew this was coming apparently (they really do see all), a conversation that kristin had with the guys/a team member of theirs, and she called seth's comment "thoughtless". so clearly, while she took it seriously, she didn't see it as a deeply serious threat of some sort. which is how some ppl are trying to play it off as.

moving onto the second clip, colby and seth fucked around with the boo buddy. seth grabbed a knife and "stabbed" it. we do not see this actually take place, just him making the motions of stabbing and colby not even flinching so i'm gonna assume that he wasn't actually stabbing it. later the boo buddy kept talking, and eventually colby kicked it and it broke. snc paid for this boo buddy to be replaced. now, obviously this behavior is childish. but, they paid it back. so…. i don't really know what else to say other than "yeah, it kinda sucks they did that, but they paid it back so it's done with."

to the random ppl on reddit that said "i bet snc wouldn't have even paid for it if they didn't caught"……… please consider buying a brain or using the slight bit of common sense i know you must have. do you really think they wouldn't have paid for it if they didn't catch it on camera????? bffr.

third and final clip, they're all sitting around in between takes and it looks like either, depending on the person that's watching the video, that either seth or sam said "confession number one, all this shit is fake." of course, ppl are trying to now use this as proof that snc fake their shit or they don't this seriously or whatever. my honest thoughts on this is…. we do not know the full context of why sam or seth would have said that. they could have, crazy concept, been joking. or saying something sarcastically. hell, sam was on his phone at the time, so it's possible that he was READING a comment that said this, bc he (or seth) continues and says "confession number two…" and then sam shows something to colby on his phone. so to me, this is not the smoking gun some of these ppl want it to be.

it's also noted that according to an inside source that this random man on youtube had, snc were supposed to go to the ross house and film but they weren't allowed to or would have to be supervised bc kristin told the ross house about what happened.

that was everything that happened in the video. i've basically said my peace about it. but now, i'm gonna go on a rant for moment.

to me, this feels like a desperate attempt to make a mountain out of a mole hill bc clearly some ppl don't fucking like snc and this, to them, will be the nail in the coffin since the conjuring house didn't do enough to their liking. my biggest gripe about this entire situation is that while yes, it doesn't exactly paint snc or seth in the most mature light, this was already dealt with. according to snc and their emails with the guy that leaked this footage, snc believe they are on good terms with kristin, so clearly things worked out. now if kristin comes out and says otherwise, i'll gladly listen and change my opinion accordingly. but i have sneaking suspicion that a grown woman with a business to run is not up for drama and all this dumb shit getting stirred around.

this "drama" is between snc, seth, and kristin. not us. not the general public, but them. and it has been resolved. unless other shit comes out saying otherwise, there is really not that much to discuss here, impo. the only reason this is being talked about now is bc there is already a heat placed on snc.

i mean, what a strange coincidence that i get an ask yesterday asking me if snc have ever been banned from any place, this video comes out, and an HOUR after it comes out i get an ask about it. weird, don't you think?

that being said, i get why some ppl are upset at snc or seth or all three. i get it. i'm just not one of those ppl. you're allowed to feel however you want, same as i. and with that, i'm done with this.

[maple-the-awesome]

We'll Meet Again...I Know When || Chapter 32

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x GN Reader

Words: 3,853

Overview: Given your old-fashioned personality and obsession with all things 1940s to 1980s, it’s no wonder that most people refer to you as an ‘old soul’ who would’ve rather lived back then than in the modern era. Little do they know, you already did, but with your previous life as Hollie Stark cut short, you’ve been left with some…unfinished business, to say the least. Top of your list? Finally getting to marry your thought-to-be-lost fiancé.

Series Masterlist 🤎 Marvel Masterlist 🤎 Fandom Masterlist

CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO: GET LOW

You have to keep your priorities straight. There's a group of terrorist super soldiers running around while the serum to create them is apparently being created in the worst possible place for it, Madripoor. You only agreed to this mission to solve that problem; nothing else should be on your mind nor of your concern. The sooner you fix things, the sooner you can return home where you somewhat wish you would've stayed to begin with.

Despite your bitter and anxious mood, you keep strictly to your assigned character during negotiations. Standing behind Zemo with hands kept clasped in front of yourself, you pay close attention to every word said not because you care for the conversation itself, but so that you can be prepared if anything goes wrong.

As scripted, you only move when Zemo offers to 'trade' the Winter Soldier to Selby in exchange for information, at which point you briefly hold up a book for her to see containing the supposed code words (none that are accurate, as you made sure to confirm before even entering Madripoor).

Earlier when this part of the plan had been explained to you, you were hesitant, yet now you find yourself caring a little less, a petty side of you almost wanting to actually leave him here with this lunatic crime-lord since she seems perfectly willing to take him off your hands. It's not like you plan to ever come back to Madripoor anyway, so he'd never have to worry about seeing you again; a total win for him.

The good news is you get a lead from Selby: a man named Dr. Wilfred Nagel is the one making super soldier serum. The bad news? She refuses to say where you can find him, not even willingly to mention if he's in Madripoor. The worst news? Sam forgot one of the biggest rules to undercover missions: turning off your damn phone.

It's at this point that your facades begin to unravel like a cat's favorite ball of yarn. Based on the way Sam looks around the room nervously, you can tell it isn't a scam call or wrong number, yet there's nothing any of you can do for him once Selby demands he answer it on speaker phone. Despite his desperate attempts to maintain his role as Smiling Tiger, the woman on the other end doesn't get the hint, stubbornly remaining on line until delivering the final blow by referring to him by name.

"'Sam'? Who's 'Sam'?" Selby becomes enraged immediately, "Kill them -!"

Almost as soon as those words left her mouth, a bullet came crashing through the window, hitting Selby from behind and causing her to fall limp onto the ground. From there, you're only allowed a brief moment of surprise before a fight ensues.

Thankfully unlike the bar downstairs where there would've been a gun pointing at you from every direction, there are only two armed guards in this private room who are slow to react. Bucky and Sam easily knock them out while taking their guns for themselves which is enough of a threat for everyone else to flee without causing any further trouble, although that doesn't necessarily save any of you from this new situation you've landed yourselves in.

"We have a real problem now," Zemo complains, yet his behavior comes across as being no more inconvenienced than he would be if someone spit in his tea, "Leave your weapons and follow my lead."

You wish you could be as calm, too - which is the first and only time you'll be jealous of Zemo for something. Sure, you can act calm, but to truly be it is another talent. It doesn't matter how straight your expression is nor how casual you try to walk while still being swift on your feet; you feel like a deer walking through a shooting range the second you step onto the streets, senses heightened as you wait for any sign of danger directed your way.

You don't have to wait long. The lights of the street suddenly flash off, leaving you blinded by darkness soon disrupted by a flurry of gunshots aimed at your group. It's complete chaos after that. There’s no uniformed or planned attack like what you're used to. It's a city of criminals governed by no leadership or morals, only their own selfish interests in mind.

There's gunshots to your left and gunshots to your right. People screaming as they run for cover, people shouting as they chase after you through the many streets and allies. Now, you haven't been to the gym in months - Alright, maybe years, but practiced exercise is nothing compared to pure adrenaline. The mere thought of your life being on the line as motorcycles roar somewhere close by serves as the perfect motivator for your legs to keep moving, chasing directly behind Bucky who likely has no idea where he's going, but anywhere is better than stopping to ask for directions.

Your pace only slows when coming around another corner, at which point you foolishly duck upon hearing two more gunshots fired from somewhere ahead. When you don't feel the force of any bullets ripping through your body, you turn around to see the motorcycle drivers both hunched over lifeless.

“Well, this is too perfect,” A voice comes as a woman steps out of the foggy darkness, only removing a hand from her gun briefly to pull down her hood which reveals her face to the rest of you. If it weren’t for your excellent memory, you likely would’ve had a harder time recognizing her as Sharon Carter, someone you’ve only met once and under far different circumstances, but she’s an ally nonetheless.

This would be the point where you sigh if not for still trying to catch your breath and steady your nerves.

You're grateful for the opportunity to finally switch out of this stupid disguise you've been forced to wear all night and pleased to see Sharon has offered quite the selection of new outfits to choose from, although most look far too fancy for your taste, particularly the ones drenched in glitter. Not wanting to look like a walking disco ball, you pick something comfortable yet pretty and, most importantly, suitable for action since you highly doubt your game of dodging bullets is over just yet.

Glancing around to check on everyone else, you notice they all seem to be doing their own thing. Sam's trying to find his own change of clothes from the rack, Zemo's currently helping himself to Sharon's alcohol collection, and Bucky has simply plopped down on the couch with back turned to the rest of you (brooding, as you would assume).

"Is there someplace I can change?" You ask Sharon once she returns. She tosses her coat onto the couch next to Bucky and spares you a quick look as she passes by.

"What? Can't change here?" While her tone may have been teasing, that smirk on her face makes you question if she's truly joking, however you certainly aren't.

You'll confess that you've changed in the same room as Bucky before, however you'd also argue that the circumstances were very different then. To him, you had been roommates for so long that it didn't seem like a big deal to switch shirts or sleep in only boxers in your presence. To you...Well, you've always known that you had both done a little more than simply 'change' in front of each other in the 40s, so why be embarrassed about your roommate-once--fiancé catching a sneak peek?

The point is, while you're comfortable around Bucky, that doesn't apply to anyone else in this room. Sam's a friend you barely know, Sharon's a person you don't know, and Zemo's a liability you'd have to strangle if he so much as thought of saying anything remotely inappropriate.

"I'd rather have privacy."

Sharon rolls her eyes with a scoffed laugh, "Sorry, I didn't think you'd mind. You've never seemed that shy around men before."

"And what's that supposed to mean?" Your voice alone warns her to answer carefully as does your irked expression, yet she still turns away from you with a careless shrug.

"It's just that you come across as someone who likes attention, that's all. What, with you going from Rogers, Barnes, Stark then Barnes again; you sure get around, but hey, props to you for having fun with your life, I guess."

"You know there's this thing called 'friends', right?" Sam interjects, unable to himself. He knows you all desperately need Sharon's help in finding Dr. Nagel, but he has trouble biting back the offense he takes on your behalf from her unwarranted comments.

For better or for worse, she isn't fazed by Sam's disapproval, instead responding sarcastically to it, "Really? Never heard of it."

"Like that isn't obvious," You roll your eyes then land them on Bucky who unlike Sam doesn't bother to show an ounce of concern for how Sharon's treating you, his back remaining completely turned to the problem.

Although his silence has been bothering you this whole time, you must say it especially stings right now. You understand that he's mad, but so much so that he isn't even willingly to say a single word in your defense? That he's just going to sit there and let her basically call you a whore? He knows the truth, all he has to do is say it. Who cares if it actually shuts Sharon up? At least he'd look like a decent gentleman by attempting to protect your honor instead of a total asshole wordlessly supporting her point!

Looking back at Sharon, you match her crossed arms and pair them with a disinterested stare, "I know you're bitter and shit about Steve leaving you for your aunt, but that doesn't involve me, so if you're that desperate to lift your ego, I suggest picking up a hobby or - better yet - moving on instead of pissing me off which I will only warn you once is a dangerous game to play.

"I'm sure you'll be pleased to know Barnes and I - we're nothing; not even friends. The sole reason why I'm right now is because Sam, a friend, asked nicely and I, for one, don't want anyone dragging the name of super soldiers through the mud; personally, I don't think Steve's legacy deserves that. Now is there somewhere I can change or not?"

Despite the bite behind your words, Sharon appears more impressed than offended or sorry as she nods her head towards the hallway, "There's a bathroom down the hall, three doors to your right."

"...Thanks," You brush past her with your clothes in hand, more convinced than ever that you'll never step foot in Madripoor again after this even if the rest of the world were to be on fire.

Seconds after you disappear through the glass doors, Bucky turns to send a glare Sharon's way, "What the hell was that?"

"What? ...Oh, come on! Did I really hit that deep of a nerve? I thought for Avengers, you'd all have thicker skin," Sharon's attempt at innocence crumbles under Bucky and Sam's intense glares, yet she merely sighs in frustration before going to pour herself a glass of alcohol over where Zemo's been watching the whole scene unfold while sipping his brandy in amusement.

"I highly doubt I'm the only one who finds it a little suspicious that someone who stuck their neck out for the Winter Soldier and Captain America was entirely forgiven when rich boy Tony Stark cried out in their favor only to conveniently fall right back into their former lover's arms after his death. I mean, last I saw they were practically your little lap dog seven years ago and honestly, I can't say it seems much has changed once Stark got out of the way."

Sharon finishes her little rant by collapsing on the opposite side of the couch as Bucky who shakes his head in disbelief, "Wow, you're kind of awful now, aren't you?"

"Look, Sharon. I'm sorry for everything that happened. I'm sorry no one ever called -" Sam starts.

"- You make it sound like it was just a missed date or something -"

"- I know that it seems like (Y/n) got off easy compared to the crap you've had to put up with after helping us, but it's not their fault how things ended. Stark was there to stand up for them while no one was there for you, so don't blame them, blame me. I should've called, but after the Blip, it was chaos and I -"

"- Oh, save your breath," Sharon shakes her head, looking back at Sam from over the edge of the couch, "...You know all this hero stuff is just bullshit, right? Deep down, you know it's all hypocrisy and that's why you gave up the shield."

"He knows, just not that deep down," Zemo asserts from the corner of the room, however Sam himself can't seem to say anything, only able to remain quiet while wishing he had your talent for snapping back. He wants to say something to disprove Sharon's allegations, yet he instead hands her the win with his silence, allowing her to go back to finishing her drink just in time for you to return, clearly still irritated and too much so to question whether the dim energy of this room is from your past conversation or a new one.

"Alright, so what's the plan? How are we finding this Dr. Nagel, hmm?" You get right to business, not even bothering to act cheerful or excited as you normally would; your will to do so for everyone else's sake is officially run dry.

"Are you guys still sure you want to get involved in this?" For once, Sharon doesn't show much confidence, in fact you would even say she sounds genuinely concerned as she sets her empty glass on the table, "For your own safety, I'd recommend that you don't. Nagel works for the Power Broker who, might I remind you, you're already in deep shit against after what happened with Selby."

"Free range super soldiers being produced under the management of a criminal empire? Yeah, for the safety of the world, I'd say backing down isn't really an option here," You argue, half surprised Sharon doesn't have some smartass comment to swing back at you which proves that while she might be a pain to deal with, she at least isn't stupid.

"To do this we need your help, Sharon. We can get your name cleared -" Sam adds.

"- Heh. Haggling with my life now, are we?"

"Not like that -"

"- Mmm, I don't buy it - you pretending to clear my name as your bargaining chip?"

"I can try," Sam walks around the couch, standing in front of Sharon with a hand outstretched towards her, "It's not impossible, after all, they already cleared the name of a bionic staring machine after he killed almost everyone he met -"

"- I heard that -"

"- I don't trust charity."

"It's not really 'charity'," You sit on an armchair and shrug when Sharon's glances around Sam at you, "Charity is the act of voluntary giving. We're not just 'giving' you anything, we're offering an exchange. You help us find Nagel, Sam here gets your name cleared. Can't be that hard. The government's views change like a flip of a dime. Catch 'em at a desperate time of need and they'll be more willing to pardon you for your help in the cause."

"...Nice to see someone here admits to seeing the hypocrisy of it all," Sharon inhales and exhales deeply, her words causing you to raise an eyebrow in confusion after having missed the context to them earlier. Nevertheless, it doesn't matter as she finally shakes Sam's hand and stands to her feet, "I sell to some pretty connected people, so just lay low, stay out of trouble, and enjoy the party while I see what I can do."

You're not a fan of crowds, but at least this suffocating party beats being cornered in a bar full of hostile, armed patrons. Here everything is more laid back, similar to any noncriminal run club. The music is blaring, lights flashing, and ground vibrating as guests dance to their hearts' content. All you have to do now is just look like you're equally enjoying yourself for a few hours which is significantly easier than your previous role as 'silent assistant'.

Leaned against a wall, your laughter becomes comparable to the booming of the bass and is contagious within the group of party goers standing around you. You just gotta keep this up - keep engaging in a few more conversations, tell a couple of funny jokes while downing a drink or two along the way, and soon that annoying, nagging voice inside your head will finally go mute, allowing you to sink deeper and deeper into your game of intoxicating pretend.

"Hey -!" You're suddenly pulled away from your new group of friends when Bucky grabs your arm, quite literally tugging your attention from them to him. While he's technically successful, you're hardly amused, immediately ripping your arm away from him with a glare and another swig of your drink.

"- What?"

Bucky, who was going to say something else, becomes distracted when his eyes flicker down to your half-empty bottle, "...Don't you think you've had enough?"

You huff, bringing the bottle back up to your lips while maintaining your glare, "I'm not going to get drunk if that's what you're worried about. I'm able to handle my liquor quite well, thank you very much. It's in my blood, after all."

Bucky sighs, half tempted to rip that bottle away from your stubborn hand, however he refrains from the urge.

"...Have you heard anything from Sharon yet?" Your question echoes within the glass as you survey the active party around you both.

"No. Last I heard, she's still talking to her 'connections'."

"Well hopefullyshe starts speeding things up. It's been a long enough night already," You'd blame it on exhaustion fogging up your mind, but in truth, it's probably the relief from Bucky's finally talking to you which seems to take some weight off of your shoulders, allowing you to relax and speak more freely in his presences - to be more like yourself unlike how you've been behaving around those other party goers...however you shouldn't have been so trusting to this feeling.

"Then you should go rest."

"Not until we find Nagel."

Bucky pauses, not even looking at you as he just stares at some other far off place in the room, "...I think you should stay here while we go talk to Nagel ourselves."

"There's no point in that," You sigh, "I came here to help you guys, not stand on the sidelines."

"It wasn't a suggestion."

"What?" You return your glare to him once more.

"It's not necessary for all of us to go. We don't need five people -"

"- Does my presence add that much to the equation? Three people is fine, but four's a crowd? In that case, why not have Sharon stay behind? She's the tag-along...Or is it just me?"

"It...It has nothing to do with you, okay? I just think -" Bullshit. He acts as if your accusation is nothing short of ridiculous yet never looks directly at you longer than an impatient glance. It is you.

"- Here's an idea: how about you just pretend I'm not there, yeah?" You put your free hand on your hip, feeling your blood begin to boil the more his words sink into your skin, "I mean, that's what you've been doing this whole time and you seem to have gotten pretty damn good at it, I'd say, so I doubt it'll kill you to do for a few extra hours."

Bucky inhales deeply while pinching the bridge of his nose, "...Look, we've already run into trouble and barely got out of it just searching for Nagel. Actually talking to him is going to be dangerous."

"Alright? And your point is?"

"You're at the most risk out of all of us. You don't have any formal training, you don't have any powers. Just - Come on and be reasonable. You'll only get yourself hurt -!"

"'Be reasonable'?" You can't help but laugh with a shake of your head, "I am being reasonable! In case you've forgotten, I protected your ass for two whole years and helped the Avengers fight Thanos twice! That's not even mentioning the shit I went through against HYDRA, either! For fucks sake, I've been shot at before, so training or not, the fear of dying isn't new for me!"

Your fury falters and you immediately regret your choice of words once noticing Bucky's reaction to them. Almost as soon as they're said, his expression becomes shattered and mournful, and a part of you instantly feels terrible seeing that, yet at the same time, your lingering anger - still fueled by your inner, unresolved pain - prevents you from outright apologizing.

"...You're a liability if you go..."

You grip your bottle, almost wishing it would just shatter in your hands to emphasize what you're feeling right now. Maybe then you'd have an excuse to cry in front of so many people - people who would definitely raise eyebrows if you were to completely lash out right now and confront Bucky with every swirling thought that's been burning hotter on your tongue following each drop of alcohol: 'What am I doing wrong? Why are you treating me like this? How come you don't love me anymore? Can't you see that it's drowning me?

You take a deep breath, calming yourself down a little before opening your eyes to look back up at Bucky with a false smile, "...You know what? Suuure. I'll stay behind. Whatever makes you happy, you fucking asshole!"

After spitting those final venomous words, you shove pass him roughly and storm off into the crowd, no longer caring if anyone heard your little 'lover's quarrel', as they probably all see it as. You have no idea where you're going or what you'll even do in the meantime, but Sharon's house seems big enough, so you're sure you'll have no problem finding someplace quiet to soak in all your self-pity.

Bucky almost calls after you, requiring every ounce of willpower not to chase you and give an apology, but what would that actually accomplish if he did? 'Sorry I hurt your feelings, but I'm still not changing my mind because I stand by what I said'...As if that would fix anything.

Maybe this is for the best, at least that's what he tries to convince himself throughout each second that his guilt eats away at him. For the price of hurting you, you won't be in danger if things go south talking to Nagel. Perhaps you'll even want to go home after this and you'll never have to be at risk because of any of this stuff again. Sure, you'll hate him as you probably do now, but if that's what it takes for you to be alive, then it's worth it.

...It'll be worth this heartache, won't it?

NEXT CHAPTER ->

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@arunabrak,

[soullikethesea]

I think I'm in some kind of reenactment with T.

The thing that keeps occurring is that I get disappointed by something she neglects to do & then I feel super upset and want to lash out and can barely contain it (and IF I express it, it comes out as "never mind my question"). I sort of angrily retreat, because the insecurity of waiting totally trips me up.

The things in the last few sessions: she neglected to tell me that she'll have to cancel some of our appointments (and I planned around them to have my trip), so now we will have to have a sudden long break. Found out about this at the very end of the session, got very upset when I got home. Thankfully there was another session before the long break, arguably that makes it better. She also said she wasn't sure about one date and that maybe we could see each other next week.

I found it super hard to contain how sad and out of control I felt about this (it just triggered old stuff about my dad). So I tried arranging that other session, it was not possible. Nor was that date she wasn't sure about earlier. I felt more confused and hurt about the false hope. Emailed about how triggered I was, T replied with an email she meant to send weeks ago. The email from weeks ago actually met some needs, because it gave us things to work on.

Which involved writing confrontational letters for my parents. I did that. Got very triggered, had a period of very little sleep. Slowly got more functional again. I think the letters are a good starting point to work more on this topic. So I was hoping we could discuss them in that one session before the break.

But then it turned out that T had missed that email and hadn't read them. Since it was basically the most important topic for me, she asked if she could read during the session. So she read one of them while I was... idk, sitting there. And then she got all misty-eyed. We couldn't really get into what it meant to me, because I was super numb and disconnected and she was basically crying about how bad it all had been. Since we were quite disconnected from each other, I'm not sure if it was helpful. It just felt like "yeah, OK, now you realize how bad it was, but it doesn't change anything. I already went through it. It already happened and that is when I was alone. I've already dealt with it, alone. I've already tried telling you about this for years and I'm honestly surprised my words apparently didn't make an impact until now."

But I could tell that T was really trying and that also made me feel more mild. She did say some helpful things about the extent of the neglect and what effects it has on me. Time ran out and there was still the letter for my mother left. She asked if there was something she could do for me and said that I can email her and ask for replies. She also said she will still read the other letter and send me a reply. I thanked her and said that would be great, because right now we're still in that topic and in a month both of us will probably not remember. Given her work schedule, I expected her to take care of it that day or maybe the next.

Still no reply, and I'm getting quite triggered again. Why did she say she was going to do it? She didn't have to say that, you know. It would've given me more peace of mind not to be "waiting" like this. The thing is, I feel very ashamed of that letter. So now I wish I'd never sent it and never asked her to read it, nor agreed that she would.

Another reenactment of the same sort of situation. At least I'm realizing that now. So I think the best I can do is to let it go. I'm not sure how to do that, but I will try my best. She's only human, she's probably getting sucked into the reenactment same as me. I'm going to let it go and I'm going to count on myself. Just like I know how to do. I was trained for this, Lucas says. And a break is not the end of the world. I will let things flow as they go, and not try to force having support. It's not there in the way I wish it could be, and it's not there in words matching actions, but there is support out there in the world. I'm in a relatively good position now in my daily life and perhaps that fact in itself can already serve as support.